Fatal crash from police chase found to have no policy violations

The Titusville Police Department (TPD) has confirmed that its officers adhered to department protocols during a high-speed chase that tragically ended in a fatal collision on Friday, December 12, 2025. The driver who passed away has been identified as Darrius Bentley, 35 years old, from Mims, Florida. The incident transpired around 8:08 p.m. when an officer tried to pull over Bentley's vehicle for speeding and drifting from their lane on Deleon Avenue near Sycamore Street. Sadly, Bentley sustained fatal injuries after crashing his vehicle into a palm tree, fence, and sign on Barna Avenue near Nicklaus Drive around 8:11 p.m. As stated by Commander Tyler Wright's news release, Bentley initially seemed compliant by slowing down, signaling to pull over, and eventually stopping on Cora Avenue. However, upon the officer's exit from the patrol car, Bentley reversed his vehicle, colliding with the front of the police car before speeding away, ignoring the flashing lights and sirens. Titusville Police utilized two sets of stop sticks on Bentley's vehicle, successfully puncturing the tires. Despite this intervention, the investigation revealed that Bentley decided to accelerate, leading to a loss of control and subsequent crash. Following an internal review of the pursuit, the Titusville Police Department determined that the officers involved did not breach any department policies. Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) was called upon to investigate the crash itself, given the police's attempt to halt the vehicle before the collision. The FHP's inquiry into the crash aspect is currently ongoing.