St. Pete Driver Stopped Before Driving into Thanksgiving 5K Run

December 2, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

A woman in West Florida has been arrested after an outdoor holiday run nearly turned deadly. While citizens of St. Pete started their Thanksgiving with a healthy 5K, one driver was close to causing fatal damages after what police are calling a reckless driving case.

This article will provide details from the case, along with information on reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, and resisting an officer in Florida.

What was the Incident?

On November 24^th, 38-year-old Ashlee Lauren Morgan was arrested after police claimed she endangered the lives of thousands of Thanksgiving Day 5K runners. According to the report, officers spotted Morgan around 8 am in a white Range Rover going speeds of 60 to 70 mph in a residential neighborhood.

Morgan was allegedly heading directly towards the secured racecourse for St. Pete’s Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot. The run had around 3,000 people attending.

“Morgan was observed driving recklessly south on Coffee Pot Blvd NE, approaching the Snell Isle Bridge,” the department said. “Three officers made contact with her, requested her credentials, she refused, and fled the scene of the stop at a high rate of speed onto the racecourse.”

Morgan continued to ignore commands as another officer attempted to pull her over, despite the deputy flashing his emergency lights and siren at her. Morgan was eventually stopped at Brightwater Boulevard and Lamara Way Northeast. During the arrest, Morgan became aggressive and tried to fight out of the handcuffs.

“While under arrest, the defendant banged her head against the rear window of the police cruiser, attempted to exit as her handcuffs were being adjusted, was combative, and OC spray (pepper spray) was utilized on two separate occasions in order to gain her compliance,” the police statement said.

After taking her into custody, police later learned that Morgan had fled a crash on 26 Avenue Northeast and 1^st Street Northeast where she hit a stop sign and damaged her bumper. The report stated there was no indication of alcohol or drug use during the incident.

The St. Pete Police Department gave the following statement regarding the incident:

“Our officers immediately identified the reckless driver as being a threat to the runners. She eluded several officers, drove past barricades and lighted police cars onto the street being used for the race. Thanks to the quick response of the officers on scene, they were able to stop her, and avert what could have ended up being tragic results.”

Reckless Driving Charges in Florida

Reckless driving is defined under Florida Statute section 316.192 as any person who drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people and property. Fleeing a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is considered reckless driving. If convicted, a person can be jailed for up to 90 days, fined no less than $25 but no more than $500, or both on a First Offense and up to six months, fined no less than $50 but no more than $1,000, or both on a Second or Subsequent Offense.

A defendant accused of reckless driving that causes damage to the property or person of another can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. A first-degree misdemeanor has a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year of imprisonment.

A defendant who has been accused of reckless driving and causes serious bodily injury can be charged with a third-degree felony in Florida. A third-degree felony has a penalty of up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

If the reckless driving resulted in the death of another person or unborn child, the driver could be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

To learn about the process of sealing or expunging a Reckless Driving Record, read our blog here.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

Sections 316.061–316.063 of the Florida Statute explain leaving the scene of an accident. A driver that fails to remain at the scene of a crash that results in damages, bodily injury, or death can be charged with leaving the scene of a crash in Florida.

In order to convict a person of leaving the scene of a crash, the prosecution must prove the following beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The defendant was driving a motor vehicle that was involved in a crash leading to damages, severe injuries, or death;
• The defendant was aware of the crash;
• The defendant chose to leave the scene of the crash prior to contacting authorities or providing personal information to the other person involved; and/or
• The defendant failed to render assistance to another person at the scene of the crash.

If the crash resulted in damages to a property or vehicle and the defendant did not remain at the scene, they could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. A second-degree misdemeanor has a penalty of up to a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

A crash occurring on public or private property that results in non-serious injuries in which the defendant leaves the scene can result in a third-degree felony charge. A third-degree felony has a penalty of up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years of imprisonment.

A crash occurring on public or private property that results in serious bodily injury to another person in which the defendant leaves the scene can result in a second-degree felony charge. A second-degree felony has a penalty of up to a $10,000 fine and up to fifteen years of imprisonment.

A crash occurring on public or private property that results in the death of another person in which the defendant leaves the scene can result in a first-degree felony. A first-degree felony has a penalty of up to a $10,000 fine and up to thirty years of imprisonment.

In addition to paying fines and potentially being sentenced to prison time, a person who is Driving Under the Influence, who fails to stop and provide information or render aid in a crash involving serious bodily injury, a conviction of manslaughter, or vehicular manslaughter can result in a license revocation for at least three years, as codified under Statute section 322.28(4)(a).

To learn more about the charge of Leaving the Scene of an accident, read our informative page here.

Resisting an Officer Without Violence

Florida Statute section 843.02 defines resisting an officer without violence as a person who resists, obstructs, or opposes any officer such as the following:

• Law enforcement officer
• Correctional officer
• Correctional probation officer
• Part-time law enforcement officer
• Part-time correctional officer
• Auxiliary law enforcement officer
• Auxiliary correctional officer

Any person who violates the above law and resists an officer without violence can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida. A first-degree misdemeanor has a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year of imprisonment.

To learn more about Resisting an Officer with or without violence, you can read our informative page here.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

If you or a loved one have been accused of fleeing the scene of an accident, it is important to reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer for help. Along with providing legal advice, our attorneys will work with you to build a strong defense for your case.

Don Pumphrey and his team at Pumphrey Law Firm have years of experience providing legal help to Florida citizens. We promise to stand with you and fight for your future. Contact us today for a free consultation at (850) 681-7777 or leave an online message on our website.

Written by Karissa Key

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