2-Year-Old Discovered in Backseat of Car After Terrifying High-Speed Pursuit

HERNANDO – A terrifying backseat ride for a mother and her 2-year-old child, after a late night high-speed pursuit across two counties ended with three arrests.

Just before midnight on Monday a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper observed a grey Nissan traveling at a high-rate of speed on Commercial Way at St. Andrews Blvd. The Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the driver accelerated and continued traveling southbound, eventually entering Pasco County. During the pursuit the Trooper discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen and notified Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputies to assist. Once inside Pasco County the driver turned onto Bariar Oaks Drive and then onto Arbor Crest Drive, where the road came to a dead end. At that point the driver and front seat passenger fled the vehicle on foot.

During a search of the vehicle Troopers located 22-year-old Sierra Durham and her 2-year-old child. Durham claimed that 20-year-old Joelle Guyton was the driver and 27-year-old Justin Christopher was the front seat passenger.

While searching for the suspects Troopers spotted a suspicious vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Inside the vehicle Troopers located Joelle Guyton, Justin Christopher, and 50-year-old Julie Guyton.

During the investigation Troopers located several prescription pills and a BB gun inside the glove compartment of the Nissan. They also discovered marijuana inside Joelle’s purse.

Joelle Guyton is charged with Fleeing to Elude, Driving without a License, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Obstruction, Grand Theft Auto, and Child Neglect. Joelle is currently behind bars at the Hernando County Jail, held on a $23,000 bond.

Julie Guyton is charged with Aiding in Escape and is held at the Land O’ Lakes Jail on a $5,000 bond.

Justin Christopher is charged with Resisting Arrest, Obstruction, and Violation of Felony Probation. Christopher is also at the Land O’ Lakes Jail, held without bond.

Durham and her child were not injured during the pursuit.

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