BREVARD COUNTY, FL – In a dramatic overnight incident, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies engaged in a high-speed pursuit to apprehend a DUI suspect, identified as Kyle Lahanse, who was driving recklessly in the wrong direction on US 1.
The chase began after deputies received a call about a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes near Barefoot Bay, posing a significant danger to other road users. Deputies Daniel Aponte, Derek Helbig, and Justin Shannon, who were responding to the scene, narrowly avoided a collision with the wrong-way driver.
As Lahanse continued to drive dangerously, deputies attempted to stop the truck using stop sticks, initially without success. The pursuit extended through the city of Melbourne, with assistance from Melbourne PD in managing traffic to prevent further risk.
Eventually, stop sticks successfully deflated the truck’s tires near US 1 and Pineda Causeway, and again near US 1 and Suntree Boulevard. Losing control, Lahanse’s vehicle flipped multiple times in the grass median, leading to his ejection.
Deputies rendered aid to Lahanse, who was then transported to a hospital in critical but stable condition. He faces charges of Reckless Driving and Aggravated Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, with additional DUI charges pending further investigation.
The BCSO commended the quick actions of their deputies and the Melbourne PD, highlighting that their efforts likely prevented harm to innocent civilians.