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Published on Monday, June 28, 2004
in the Palm Beach Post
A Kissimmee man led police on a chase on Florida's Turnpike Sunday morning that led to the discovery of a bag stuffed with $167,860 in cash, investigators said.
The incident happened about 9:17 a.m. shortly after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper stopped a car speeding south on the turnpike, just north of the PGA Boulevard.
While the trooper questioned the driver, Major Wheeler, 48, near the patrol car, his passenger, Eddie James Fullwood, 34, got behind the wheel and sped away, said FHP Lt. Pat Santangelo.
The trooper chased the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu as it exited PGA, but lost track of the car. After minutes of searching, an officer spotted the rental car in a construction area under the turnpike at Palm Beach Gardens Boulevard. Officers followed a trail of clothing to a canal near the Mirasol community where they spotted a black duffel bag.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officers fished the bag out of the lake but found nothing inside. As officers searched for Fullwood, they saw another bag inside a culvert. Inside they found the cash -- mostly piles of $20 bills, Santangelo said.
Fullwood was not found. Santangelo said officers searched the lake and don't believe he drowned.
Late Sunday, FHP issued a warrant for Fullwood's arrest. Wheeler was issued a speeding ticket for driving 83 mph in a 70-mph zone. Both men have lengthy criminal records, Santangelo said.
The money is considered found property. If no one claims the cash, it will be turned over to the state.