Four arrested after high-speed Tesla chase ends in Broward County

A black Tesla hit 140 mph on Alligator Alley and ended with four arrests in Broward County and stolen baby formula in the trunk, covered by a blanket. The chase began after retail-theft reports shortly before 8 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, and crossed county lines before stopping at the 44.5-mile marker on I-75 southbound.

The case began with reports of baby formula theft at Publix Supermarkets locations at Naples Town Centre off U.S.-41 and at Berkshire Commons off Radio Road. Video and photos showed the suspects hiding formula in large bags and walking out without paying. The total theft amount was $2,721.49.

Using the CCSO Real-Time Operations Center, deputies located the suspected getaway vehicle at another retail location where the same group had just committed a similar theft. Deputies then followed the Tesla onto Alligator Alley, where the driver weaved through traffic, drove on medians and passed through a road work area while averaging 130 mph.

All four people inside were taken into custody after the Tesla slowed to a stop in Broward County. The driver was identified as Ja’mari Bell, 18, of Miami-Dade County. Bell was charged with fleeing and eluding, coordinated theft over $3,000 and driving while license is suspended, revoked or canceled. The passengers, identified as Tamiya Love, 17, Karenna Mesidor, 17, and Raniyah Brunson, 16, all of Miami-Dade County, were each charged with coordinated theft over $3,000.

A witness, Emma Kilton, saw the Tesla speed past her on Alligator Alley and later saw the stop. The investigation remained active after the arrests.

In September 2025, a man was arrested in connection with more than 50 alleged formula thefts in Broward and Palm Beach counties. A separate multi-county case involved three women and losses exceeding $32,000.