Early today, a chase involving a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander with seven teenagers ended in a crash on Lee Road in Orange County, as per officials. The Polk County Sheriff's Office initiated the chase after being alerted by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office that the vehicle, reported stolen Wednesday from Osceola County, was located around 1 a.m. near the intersection of Ronald Reagan Parkway and Champions Gate Boulevard in unincorporated Davenport. ClickOrlando provided details on the incident that eventually led Florida Highway Patrol troopers to spot the car heading east on I-4.
While the chase was on, the fleeing vehicle exited I-4 at Lee Road and wrongfully navigated west in an eastbound lane after an attempted PIT maneuver by troopers. The stolen car ultimately collided with a 2019 Honda Insight and a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, resulting in hospitalizations for all occupants of the Mitsubishi and the other vehicles' drivers. According to FOX 35 Orlando, the mishap occurred around 1:39 a.m. The road closure impacted eastbound and westbound traffic on Lee Road.
Christopher Lee Smith, 18, identified as the driver of the stolen vehicle, has been charged with burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, fleeing law enforcement, and driving without a valid license. Additionally, warrants have been issued for a 16-year-old passenger who was discovered with the key to the stolen vehicle, facing burglary and grand theft charges.
The other occupants, a diverse mix of ages from Orlando, including a 13-year-old, a 15-year-old, two 17-year-olds, and another of unknown age, are also facing potential additional charges. Smith's record boasts prior charges, including grand theft, robbery, and aggravated battery, and he reportedly has seven active warrants in Orange County. The medical status of the teens and the other drivers involved in the crash that brought them all to local hospitals is currently undisclosed.
This story is still developing, with an ongoing investigation and the possibility of more charges from different jurisdictions. Check back with the sources for the latest updates on this high-speed chase turned collision event in Orange County.
