Three Arrested After Wrong-Way Chase in Florida Keys Following Investigation

Unlicensed Contracting Investigation Leads to Chase

• 🎯 Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office were assisting the Department of Business and Professional Regulation with an unlicensed contracting investigation in the Upper Keys.
• 🚗 The investigation involved three individuals: Butch Stevens, Denise Bennett, and Jonathan Mitchell.

Dangerous Wrong-Way Pursuit

• ⚡ The trio fled the scene in a truck, heading northbound on US1.
• ⚠️ They drove the wrong way on the 18 Mile Stretch of US1, narrowly avoiding other vehicles in a dangerous pursuit.
• 💥 The chase continued until tire spikes were deployed, ending the pursuit in the parking lot of Gilbert's Resort and Marina in Key Largo.

Arrests and Charges

• 🚓 During the pursuit, the truck sideswiped a police cruiser.
• 🏃‍♂️ Jonathan Mitchell, 19, was apprehended. Butch Stevens, 46, and Denise Bennett, 44, initially fled on foot.
• 🎣 Stevens reportedly disguised himself as a fisherman before being caught.
• ⛓️ All three were arrested and booked at the Monroe County Jail.
• ⚖️ Charges include fleeing and eluding, and resisting arrest.
• 💼 Stevens also faces out-of-county warrants related to unlicensed contracting and other crimes.