Mandeville, Jamaica (May 6, 2025) — A red Mercedes‑Benz GLE 450 was seized Tuesday afternoon after its driver twice fled police checkpoints and later slammed into two other vehicles, including a truck, on the Winston Jones Highway. No serious injuries were reported.
According to Area III Highway Patrol officers, the SUV was first clocked at 162 km/h in an 80 km/h zone during midday speed checks on the PJ Patterson (Williamsfield) leg of Highway 2000. When signalled to stop, the driver accelerated away, prompting officers to radio for backup.
A second unit intercepted the vehicle near Williamsfield, where the driver briefly complied before accelerating off once more. The pursuit ended minutes later in Mandeville when the Mercedes collided with two vehicles, bringing traffic to a standstill along the busy corridor.
The suspect, who told police he is a car‑mart dealer, was taken into custody at the scene. Investigators say the SUV carried blue demonstration plates, complicating efforts to trace ownership.
“When motorists ignore a lawful stop, they endanger everyone on the road,” said Constable Barrett of the Highway Patrol. “Demonstration plates offer little traceability, so we’re urging dealers to exercise greater responsibility and for drivers to obey police directives immediately.”
Police say charges of dangerous driving, excessive speeding, failing to stop, and other traffic offences are being prepared.
The incident has renewed calls for tighter controls on demonstration plates, which currently fall outside the automated vehicle‑tracking system used by law enforcement.
