Man leads Nassau County deputies on high-speed chase, nearly hitting construction workers

Dash camera video shows a man leading deputies on a high-speed chase at times through construction and residential areas.

Deputies said it started as a traffic stop on State Road 200 near a busy construction and residential area. But deputies said the man behind the wheel, Joshua Spilis, 26, took off.

Spills refused to pull over, even though the deputy’s car and the SUV behind him had their emergency lights and sirens on. Deputies said Spilis drove down a construction zone, on a dirt service road, traveling 65-70 mph. They said he got back on State Road 200 and passed several cars and semis.

“Now he’s going into opposite lane of traffic,” said the deputy pursuing him.

Deputies said Spilis then entered a construction zone, nearly hitting several construction workers, including a fuel truck loaded with several combustible liquids. Some of the workers later told deputies they thought Spilis was going to kill them.

One of the construction workers said Spilis’ SUV was about 100 feet away from hitting him and a coworker.

“I told him, you better move, here come a crook,” he said.

Spilis kept going, and in the video you can see him swerving into oncoming traffic.

“Nearly struck vehicle head on,” the deputy said.

Deputies had to use stop sticks, and Spilis eventually pulled over. But, in the video you can see him running away where he was later arrested.

Deputies said they believe Spilis was involved in a theft before, because he still had a tag on his shirt.

Action News Jax also found out Spilis just got out of jail in Jacksonville the day before.

TRENDING: 

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

Cox Media Group