Driver enters Ironman course and nearly hits athletes during police pursuit in the US

A 62-year-old driver was arrested after entering areas reserved for Ironman Jacksonville participants and driving among runners and cyclists during the event in Florida, United States.

The incident occurred on May 16, but footage recorded by a camera installed in a police vehicle was released later by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Despite the danger created during the incident, no athletes, spectators or police officers were injured.

According to authorities, Officer Ernesto Valerio, a member of the Specialized Traffic Unit, was blocking a street to allow competitors to complete the 26.2-mile running stage.

During the operation, Valerio received a radio report that a car was traveling through areas closed for the cycling and running stages. The vehicle continued moving among traffic cones, athletes and event staff, even after the first attempts to stop it.

The dashboard camera footage shows the officer catching up with the car and activating the patrol vehicle’s lights and siren to order the driver to stop. The driver, however, did not comply.

At several points, the car can be seen crossing the course and passing close to competitors. Motorcycle Officer Aaron Sanchez also tried to block its path by positioning his motorcycle in front of the vehicle, but the driver managed to avoid the intervention and continued through the Riverside area.

The incident ended at the intersection of Riverside Park Place and Park Street. To prevent the vehicle from continuing toward areas occupied by athletes and spectators, Ernesto Valerio performed a PIT maneuver.

Source and images: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office