Released by the Florida Highway Patrol …
~~ Driver Fled Multiple Crashes in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties~~
Panama City, FL – At 7:39 AM on January 18, 2020, Florida Highway Patrol Troopers Darryl Sawyer and Jay Henson responded to a “Be On the Look Out” from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office for a white Lincoln SUV that was involved in multiple hit-and-run crashes in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The Lincoln was last seen heading eastbound on SR 30 (US 98) toward Bay County at a high rate of speed.
Trooper Darryl Sawyer was turning onto US 98 at Cauley Road when he observed a white Lincoln SUV traveling eastbound on US 98 in excess of 100 miles per hour. As Trooper Sawyer attempted to overtake and intercept the Lincoln, he observed the SUV being driven in a reckless manner, weaving in and out of traffic and passing on the shoulder. The Lincoln continued eastbound onto the Hathaway bridge at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Lincoln slowed as it approached and then began to pass traffic stopped for the Bay Line train, crossing US 98 at SR 368 (23rd Street), between Gulf Coast State College and the Port of Panama.
The Lincoln collided with the train multiple times. Troopers Sawyer and Lincoln attempted to assist the driver from the vehicle, however, the driver placed the Lincoln in reverse and fled at a high rate of speed, striking Trooper Sawyer and his patrol car. The driver of the SUV fled in a northerly direction on the railroad right-of-way, between the moving train and concrete barriers and then eastbound onto 23rd Street.
Troopers Sawyer and Henson pursued the damaged Lincoln at speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour until it became disabled on 23rd Street at Airport Road. Troopers arrested the driver, Susan Blair Case, 68, of Gulf Breeze, FL, who was subsequently transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center. Troopers Sawyer and Henson were treated for minor injuries and released.
Case is facing charges of:
1. Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony)
2. Fleeing and Attempting to Elude (Felony)
3. Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage (Misdemeanor)