Local law enforcement has invoked Florida’s stringent traffic legislation following a high-speed motorcycle pursuit in Vero Beach. A 39-year-old local resident, Joshua Coburn, was arrested on April 19 after allegedly being pulled over twice in a 22-minute span, ultimately facing charges under the state’s “super speeder” statutes.
The legislation, designed to increase safety on Florida roads, specifically targets extreme speeding violations.
The “super speeder” law targets drivers who travel 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit, or those driving over 100 mph in a manner that endangers others. Penalties for violating this law can include jail time, significant fines, and a mandatory court hearing.
The incident unfolded late at night along Indian River Boulevard. According to an arrest report from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, deputies had initially stopped a green motorcycle featuring a distinctive blue headlight in the 1600 block of the boulevard. During this first encounter, the deputies gave the rider a warning rather than issuing a citation.
However, that leniency was allegedly short-lived. At approximately 10:20 p.m., a deputy stationed in the median near the 3700 block observed the same green motorcycle traveling northbound at an extreme rate of speed. Prior to the rider applying the brakes upon spotting the marked patrol vehicle, the deputy estimated the motorcycle’s speed at over 120 mph.
In pursuit, the deputy executed a U-turn and accelerated to speeds reaching 97 mph. Despite traveling well over the posted 45 mph speed limit, the deputy initially struggled to close the distance through the 4100 to 4500 blocks of Indian River Boulevard before finally executing a traffic stop just south of Grand Harbor Boulevard.
During the stop, Coburn provided deputies with several statements regarding his driving behavior:
- He stated he was simply trying to get home and was unaware of his exact speed because he had just tucked his head down, downshifted, and accelerated without checking his speedometer.
- He initially became argumentative, claiming he was being set up by law enforcement since he had just been pulled over 22 minutes prior.
- He ultimately conceded that the deputies in the first traffic stop had cut him a break and admitted that his subsequent actions were stupid.
Following the traffic stop, Coburn was transported to the Indian River County Jail. He was officially booked on a charge of dangerous excessive speeding of 50 mph or more over the speed limit. Jail records indicate he was released shortly after midnight on April 20 after posting a $150 bail.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to motorists traveling through the Treasure Coast to observe local speed limits, particularly on major thoroughfares like Indian River Boulevard, as local agencies actively enforce Florida’s strict traffic regulations.
