High speed pursuit lands one in custody

A Santa Rosa Beach woman is in custody after she caused a collision and fled from the scene of the accident May 9.

Just after 7 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s deputies who were attending the Caryville Town Council meeting saw a black passenger car traveling east on U.S. 90 collide with another vehicle. The driver, later identified as 29-year-old Taylor Suzanne Hamilton, regained control of the vehicle and continued driving. Deputies commanded the driver to stop but Hamilton increased speed and continued to flee. 

Deputies then began a pursuit of Hamilton’s vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but she continued to flee at speeds in excess of 110 mph. Hamilton finally slowed down and stopped near the intersection of Wilcox Crossing Road and U.S. 90 and was taken into custody.

Deputies located a bottle of whiskey on the floorboard while searching the vehicle. Hamilton was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail. She is charged with DUI and fleeing and eluding. 

Anyone with knowledge of crimes being committed or tips may contact WCSO at 850-638-6111. Tips may be given anonymously by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or by email at tips@wcso.us.