BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities have arrested a man who they said led Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers on a high speed chase Monday night on the waters off South Florida.
FWC officers said they stopped a man identified as Eric Tukes on a personal watercraft who fled from their marine patrol unit around 8 p.m. after he led them on the chase that stretched from Broward to Miami-Dade County.
Video of the chase was taken by a witness in Sunny Isles Beach.
FWC officials say they are working with the Hallandale Beach Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service on the case.
According to FWC, the incident began as a manatee zone infraction when Tukes suddenly took off.
Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper told Local 10 the chase ended up behind her home.
“We saw a police marine vehicle come down our canal and then there were helicopters,” said Mayor Cooper.
Tukes reportedly ditched the watercraft and took off on foot, which is when Hallandale Beach police officers patrolling the area took him into custody.
“He ditched his jet ski and our police department was coming around on Lane Boulevard and they saw this gentleman walking so they captured him,” said Mayor Cooper.
Investigators learned Tukes was also wanted by U.S. Marshals who have now charged him with federal probation violation. He also facing charges of resisting arrest and fleeing and eluding, and FWC told Local 10 News that more charges could be coming.