Sebring, Florida witnessed one of the most bizarre police chases on April 19, when a man accused of stealing vodka spritzers from a convenience store offered the stolen booze to deputies — during the pursuit itself.
“I Was Just Gonna Give You a Drink”
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Richard Christopher Smith, caught the attention of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office after allegedly swiping several items, including cans of vodka spritzer, from a local store. What followed was anything but ordinary.
According to bodycam footage released by the sheriff’s department, Smith was behind the wheel in a parking lot, driving in circles as deputies attempted to stop him. During the chase, Smith slowed down briefly, reached out of the car window with a can of vodka, and said, “I was just gonna give you a drink, that’s it.” The stunned officer responded, “Stop, stop!” — but Smith accelerated and sped off.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
Sebring, FL?
•A store reported that Chris Smith stole several items – including alcohol.
•Deputies arrived & he offered them a drink before he sped away.
•FL Man then: rammed 2 patrol cars, was stopped by spike strips & tased ⚡️
*a call these cops will remember. pic.twitter.com/ESzbWm6zzK
— police.law.news (@policelawnews) April 22, 2025
High-Speed Chase Ends in a Crash
The encounter turned into a full-blown high-speed chase. Deputies deployed spike strips to stop Smith’s vehicle. The pursuit ended near Sebring Regional Airport, where the suspect crashed into another vehicle. Moments later, Smith stepped out casually cigarette in hand and surrendered. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Facing Multiple Charges
Smith now faces a range of charges, including DUI (Driving Under the Influence), petty theft, and two counts of resisting arrest. His bond has been set at $120,000 (Rs 1,02,62,550), according to Yahoo News UK.
Social Media Reacts: “Florida is Undefeated”
The footage of the incident has since gone viral, sparking widespread amusement online. One user on X (formerly Twitter) joked:
“Guy in Sebring Florida steals vodka spritz cans from a convenience store, offers officer a can before driving off and leading police on a high-speed pursuit. Florida is undefeated.”
Another wrote, “Imagine you’re a cop, adrenaline pumping, tires screeching — and the guy you’re chasing slows down just long enough to offer you a vodka spritzer. Not a metaphor. An actual drink.”
