A Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy is recovering in a Miami hospital after a high-speed highway chase ended with a crashed SUV and a local man in police custody. The incident unfolded early Wednesday, June 10, 2026, when authorities arrested 25-year-old Aaron Scout Tipsword of Marathon following a dangerous pursuit on U.S. 1 that reached speeds up to 120 mph.
Details of the Chase
During the chase, a deputy injured her hand while deploying tire spikes in an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle. She was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment, and officials have confirmed that her injuries are not life-threatening.
The situation actually began the night before. Deputies had interacted with Tipsword several times on Tuesday evening because he was acting erratically, though he did not meet the legal criteria to be held involuntarily under the state’s Baker Act. Later that night, a family member reached out to law enforcement to request a welfare check.
At roughly 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, deputies spotted Tipsword behind the wheel of a Honda SUV near Mile Marker 30 on Big Pine Key. When officers stopped him, they noted his behavior was still highly unusual. He was wearing a heavy jacket and gloves despite the warm weather, his speech was abnormal, and he was struggling to complete basic sentences.
When asked for his driver’s license, Tipsword refused to hand it over and suddenly sped away northbound. He drove recklessly down the highway, illegally passing multiple vehicles along the way. Deputies managed to spike the SUV’s tires several times as he fled.
The chase finally came to an abrupt halt when Tipsword turned onto 39th Street in Marathon and crashed straight into a boulder. Officers immediately took him into custody and transported him to the local jail.
Tipsword is now facing a lengthy list of charges. He has been charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury, fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest, dangerous and excessive speeding, criminal mischief with property damage, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
