Overview
- A 62-year-old man, identified as Darrell Simon, drove onto the coned-off IRONMAN Jacksonville racecourse during the 26.2-mile run on May 16th and narrowly missed multiple athletes and spectators.
- Officer Ernesto Valerio pursued the vehicle after several failed stop attempts while Motor Unit Officer Aaron Sanchez tried to block the car with his motorcycle.
- The chase ended when Valerio used a PIT maneuver at Riverside Park Place and Park Street after the driver collided with an officer and continued driving, and officers took the suspect into custody.
- Jacksonville authorities charged Simon with eight felonies plus nearly a dozen misdemeanors and violations, noted this was his third DUI arrest in 10 years, and jail records cited by reporting list a $215,042 bond and a June 16 court date.
- The sheriff’s office released dashcam video and audio showing the pursuit, praised officers for preventing a likely tragedy, reported no injuries, and the case puts fresh focus on racecourse security and risks tied to repeat DUI offenders.