Late Monday night in Lake Worth turned terrifying in seconds when a BMW fleeing deputies smashed into a 19-year-old woman's car near 10th Avenue North and State Street, critically injuring her, flipping one vehicle and setting another on fire. The BMW driver took off on foot but did not get far before deputies and a K-9 unit tracked him down and arrested him. The injured woman was rushed to a trauma center.
What happened
According to WPTV, the crash unfolded at about 11:22 p.m. when a BMW X4 driven by 20-year-old Travis Javares Towns of Riviera Beach exited I-95 at 10th Avenue North and collided with a Toyota Camry driven by 19-year-old Dayna Joanne Bilyou. WPTV reports the BMW hit the left side of the Camry, shoving it up onto the sidewalk, then plowed into a wooden light pole and a bus stop before the BMW overturned.
Emergency response
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews arrived to find one vehicle on its roof and another engulfed in flames, and they transported the injured Camry driver to St. Mary's Medical Center as a trauma alert, according to WPBF 25 News. WPBF 25 News adds that utility workers spent the early morning hours repairing the damaged utility pole and clearing debris from the scene.
Arrest and legal status
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office says the BMW driver ran from the wreck on foot, but a K-9 team followed his trail and deputies arrested him a short time later. According to WPTV, he sustained only minor injuries and, based on online jail records, is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail without bond on a resisting arrest charge.
What investigators say
Investigators say deputies initially tried to pull the BMW over on I-95 but ended the pursuit when the driver refused to stop. Authorities are now reviewing the traffic report and other evidence to determine if additional charges will be filed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, according to WPBF 25 News.
