A suspect search is ongoing in Sumter County after a 55-year-old person was killed when a man in a BMW was wanted for a traffic violation caused a multiple-vehicle crash and then fled the scene, troopers said.

  • People inside BMW wanted for traffic violation
  • Wildwood PD attempted to conduct a traffic stop
  • Driver, passenger fled and then crashed
  • Woman, 55, in another vehicle killed in crash
  • Active search for 2nd person ongoing in the area

Wildwood Police officers attempted to stop a white 2007 BMW for a traffic violation at about 1:32 p.m., according to Sgt. Steve Gaskins, of the Florida Highway Patrol.

As police attempted to stop the BMW, the driver failed to stop and fled from police. The BMW was northbound on County Road 219 and ran a stop sign at the intersection of State Road 44 in Sumter County.

Upon entering the intersection and the path of westbound traffic, the BMW collided first with a 2002 Honda SUV, which overturned and came to a rest in the roadway.

The BWM then rotated and sideswiped a 2016 Chevrolet truck before then smashing into a tractor-trailer, troopers said.

The BWM came to a rest partially underneath the tractor-trailer.

The driver of the Honda SUV, a 55-year-old woman from Inverness, died at the scene, Gaskins said.

After the crash, one of the occupants of the BMW was taken into custody as he attempted to run away from the scene.

A search is ongoing for another occupant of the BMW, Gaskins said.

The person being sought is described as a black male with braided hair or deadlocks and wearing black/red shorts and a white T-shirt.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Wildwood Police, the Sumer County Sheriff’s Office or the Florida Highway Patrol by calling 911.

The intersection of SR 44 and CR 219 remains closed as troopers investigate the crash. Motorists are urged to find an alternate route for the next several hours, Gaskins said.