DUI Arrest After Crash in Upper Keys

Monroe County Sheriff's Office Arrest Photo Christopher Brinkley Smithers

A man from Virginia found himself in hot water after a wild chase in the Florida Keys that ended in a crash.

It all happened on Tuesday afternoon when deputies pulled over a Range Rover for reckless driving on U.S. 1 in the Upper Keys. But instead of stopping, the driver, 23-year-old Christopher Brinkley Smithers, decided to make a run for it. The Florida Highway Patrol quickly took over the chase.

The pursuit came to a dramatic end when Smithers crashed into a center console boat being towed by a pickup truck in Islamorada.

Smithers, who is from Great Falls, Virginia, was arrested and is now facing a slew of charges, including fleeing and eluding police, hit-and-run, DUI, and drug possession.

Charges:

• 1 Misdemeanor Count(s) of 316.193.3c1 DUI-UNLAW BLD ALCH

• 1 Felony Count(s) of 316.1935.3a FLEE/ELUDE POLICE

• 1 Misdemeanor Count(s) of 316.192.1a MOVING TRAFFIC VIOL

• 1 Misdemeanor Count(s) of 316.1922.1a MOVING TRAFFIC VIOLATION

• 1 Misdemeanor Count(s) of 316.061.1 HIT AND RUN

• 1 Misdemeanor Count(s) of 316.193.13a PUBLIC ORDER CRIMES

• 1 Misdemeanor Count(s) of 843.02 RESIST OFFICER

• 1 Felony Count(s) of 893.13.6a DRUGS-POSSESS

• 1 Felony Count(s) of 316.1935.3a FLEE/ELUDE POLICE

Arraignment: 12/02/2025 at 09:00

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