Suspended License Sparks High-Speed Chase

SEBRING - An Orlando man allegedly told authorities he knew he was driving with a suspended license after he attempted to elude Highlands County Sheriff's deputies Sunday afternoon by traveling against traffic at a high rate of speed on U.S. 27.

Joseph F. Hutton, 46, was charged Sunday with two counts of aggravated assault on an officer, fleeing or eluding arrest and cocaine possession, after he allegedly led deputies on a high-speed chase.

According to arrest reports, Deputy Royce Walker attempted to catch up with Hutton and conduct a traffic stop near Kenilworth Boulevard after he spotted Hutton speeding, but Hutton allegedly accelerated his vehicle and turned south onto CR-17, then west onto Mike Khan Road, and north onto Hoyt Avenue.

Hutton then allegedly led responding units on a high-speed chase throughout Sebring, traveling at speeds of approximately 70 milers per hour amid heavy traffic.

During one point of the chase, Hutton allegedly traveled in the wrong direction against traffic on U.S. 27, near the Ming Tong restaurant.

According to arrest reports, Hutton also allegedly intentionally used his vehicle to swerve into the direction of deputies Brian Livesay and Tom Moran to avoid apprehension.

Hutton was eventually apprehended on U.S. 27 by the Alan Jay dealership between Hammock and Flare Roads.

After deputies were able to apprehend Hutton, they conducted a search of his vehicle and found a plastic bag containing a white powdery substance, which later tested positive for cocaine.

After he was arrested Hutton allegedly told authorities that he attempted to flee them because he knew his driver's license was suspended.

Arrest reports state that Hutton sideswiped a residential vehicle during the chase.

As of Monday afternoon, Hutton was being held in the Highlands County Jail in lieu of a combined bond of $41,000 for all counts.