LAKELAND, Polk County, FL, August 10, 2026: A Florida Highway Patrol pursuit that began in Hillsborough County continued into Polk County Monday morning, ending in a collision involving an FHP patrol vehicle and the arrest of a Tallahassee man. Authorities also allege that the driver attempted to carjack another motorist following the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol said troopers began pursuing a Tesla on Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County after someone reportedly drove it recklessly. Shortly afterward, the pursuit continued eastbound into Polk County.
According to FHP investigators, the driver tried to exit I-4 during the pursuit but then lost control. As a result, the Tesla crossed into the path of an FHP sergeant’s patrol vehicle and collided with it.
The sergeant suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, authorities have not shared additional details about the sergeant’s condition.
After the crash, FHP said the driver got out and ran. Troopers identified him as 31-year-old Antwan Stephen Brinson of Tallahassee.
Investigators say Brinson then tried to carjack a passing motorist on I-4. Troopers used a Taser during the attempt and took him into custody.
Brinson went to a local hospital for treatment before officers booked him into the Polk County Jail. FHP told 10 Tampa Bay that he faces multiple felony charges, but the agency did not immediately provide a full list when the report was published.
The incident also caused major traffic delays on I-4 Monday morning. FHP said crews reopened all affected lanes by about 7:30 a.m.
FHP continues to review the pursuit and crash. Prosecutors must prove any criminal accusations in court.
Credits and Attribution
Original reporting: “Man arrested after I-4 chase, collision with FHP cruiser and attempted carjacking,” 10 Tampa Bay, WTSP, by Sean Manning. Published August 10, 2026, at 10:43 a.m. EDT. Updated August 10, 2026, at 6:12 p.m. EDT.
The Florida Highway Patrol provided information about the Interstate 4 pursuit, the collision with an FHP patrol vehicle, reported injuries, the arrest, the alleged attempted carjacking, and traffic impacts.
10 Tampa Bay, WTSP, reported the original story and provided the source material. Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys wrote this article as an independent summary based on publicly reported information.
