SEBRING, FL — Only in Florida does a police chase turn into happy hour. Richard Christopher Smith, 39, decided that fleeing from the cops wasn’t stressful enough—so he spiced things up by offering them a cocktail.
The Crime: A Vodka Heist Gone Wild
Smith allegedly swiped some goodies from the Spring Lake Market, including—you guessed it—booze. Because nothing says “smooth criminal” like stealing Ketel One spritzers and then trying to share them with law enforcement.
When deputies arrived, Smith did what any Florida Man would do: he hit the gas and turned the situation into an impromptu tailgate party.
“Cheers, Officers!”
Bodycam footage shows Smith rolling down his window mid-chase, casually extending a can of vodka spritz toward a deputy like he was offering a toast at a wedding.
“I was just going to give you a drink, that’s it,” Smith allegedly said as he zoomed past.
Deputies, unfortunately, did not accept the generous offer. (Bummer, right?)
The Chase Ends, But the Shenanigans Don’t
After spike strips flattened all four of his tires, Smith pulled into the Sebring Regional Airport parking lot—because if you’re going to get arrested, why not do it near a runway?
Instead of surrendering like a normal person, Smith calmly stepped out of his car, lit a cigarette, and asked the deputies, “You guys had fun, though, right?”
Spoiler: They did not.
Tased During His Smoke Break
Smith’s chill vibes were interrupted when deputies decided his smoke break was over and Tased him. (Pro tip: If you’re going to flee police, maybe don’t pause for a cig.)
He was arrested and charged with:
– Aggravated assault on an officer (twice!)
– Battery on an officer
– Resisting arrest (also twice!)
– DUI (shocking, we know)
– Refusing a DUI test (rude)
– Petit theft (for the stolen booze, obviously)
His bond was set at $120,000—which, coincidentally, is also the cost of a lifetime supply of vodka spritzers.
Moral of the Story
If you’re going to steal alcohol, maybe just drink it quietly at home instead of turning it into a police chase cocktail hour.
Stay classy, Florida.