Published on Tuesday, February 28, 2006
in the Ft. Myers News-Press

Troopers outwit cyclist speeding 161 mph

State troopers used stealth tactics to catch a motorcyclist who was traveling at speeds of up to 160 mph on Alligator Alley and I-75 in Collier County.

Miguel Enrique Rodriguez, 21, of Weston, did not have a valid motorcycle license, troopers said.

He racked up a list of charges, including speeding, aggravated fleeing, eluding officers, failing to obey lawful orders and reckless driving.

The incident began shortly before 6 p.m. after Florida Highway Patrol pilot Gary Schluter spotted a west-bound motorcycle clocked on radar traveling 141 mph. Troopers on the ground attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the motorcycle, and Rodriguez slowed to 25 mph.

But when a trooper ordered him to pull over, he sped away. Rodriguez sped past the toll plaza in the emergency lane. Schluter kept up with the motorcycle from the aircraft and directed troopers on the ground to stay about two miles back.

Rodriguez reached a speed estimated at 160 mph on I-75 between the Collier Boulevard and Pine Ridge Road, passing vehicles on the center line and emergency lane.

Troopers made their move once he exited the interstate and was stopped at a red traffic light at Pine Ridge Road, staying out of his sight along the ramp. After traveling through a few more traffic signals, Rodriguez turned into a Race Trac gas station on Pine Ridge.

That’s where troopers arrested him without incident.

Troopers impounded the 2000 Honda, pending forfeiture proceedings.