Miami Man accused of supplying fatal Fentanyl overdose arrested after 115-mph I-95 chase
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A weeks-long narcotics investigation into a fatal fentanyl overdose culminated in a dramatic arrest after a Miami man accused of supplying the deadly drug allegedly led law enforcement officers on a pursuit reaching 115 mph along Interstate 95.
James Arthur Green, 43 (pictured above,) was arrested October 13 after investigators with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO) linked him to suspected fentanyl sales involving a person who later died of an overdose, according to the sheriff’s office.
The investigation, conducted by the agency’s Special Investigations Division, involved multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Detectives developed evidence identifying Green as the suspected supplier of fentanyl to the overdose victim.
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Undercover Operation Allegedly Leads to Fentanyl Delivery: On October 13, detectives used the deceased victim’s cellphone to arrange another controlled narcotics purchase. Green allegedly returned to the victim’s residence and delivered approximately two grams of fentanyl, even sending a photograph showing where he had left the drugs, authorities said.
Later that day, investigators conducted a separate undercover operation involving an alleged transaction of approximately two ounces of fentanyl and one pound of methamphetamine.
When detectives moved to arrest Green, he allegedly fled, striking an unmarked sheriff’s office vehicle before entering southbound I-95.
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Pursuit Reaches 115 MPH Before Officers Stop Suspect: The ensuing chase reached approximately 115 mph, according to authorities. During the pursuit, Green was reportedly seen throwing suspected narcotics and a cellphone from his vehicle.
The Florida Highway Patrol’s Palm Beach unit and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit as it moved into Martin County.
Troopers successfully deployed stop sticks to disable the fleeing vehicle before an FHP trooper performed a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, near Kanner Highway. The maneuver brought the pursuit to an end, and Green was taken into custody.
Following the arrest, the SLCSO SWAT Team executed a search warrant at Green’s residence.
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Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Cocaine Recovered: Authorities reported recovering approximately one pound of methamphetamine and two ounces of fentanyl associated with the controlled purchase. Investigators also recovered an additional 22 grams of methamphetamine, two grams of crack cocaine and one gram of fentanyl during the October 13 investigation.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active as detectives continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal overdose.
Green Faces Multiple Drug-Trafficking and Fleeing Charges: According to the sheriff’s office, Green faces the following charges stemming from its narcotics investigation:
- Trafficking in fentanyl
- Trafficking in cocaine
- Four counts of trafficking in methamphetamine
- Sale of cocaine
- Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
The Florida Highway Patrol filed additional charges related to the pursuit, including two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in methamphetamine, two counts of fleeing and eluding, tampering with evidence, reckless driving, dangerous excessive speeding of more than 100 mph, and resisting an officer without violence.
Green was reportedly already out on bond in connection with unrelated charges in Miami-Dade County when he was arrested. He remains in the St. Lucie County Jail without bond, according to the sheriff’s office.
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Sheriff: Overdose Death Will Not End Investigation: St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard R. Del Toro Jr. praised the detectives and the local, state and federal agencies involved in the investigation and arrest. The sheriff’s office credited its Special Investigations Division, Criminal Investigations Division, SWAT Team and Patrol Operations Bureau, along with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, for their assistance.
Del Toro warned that investigators would continue pursuing suspected suppliers when fatal overdoses occur.
“An overdose death does not end our investigation,” the sheriff said, adding that those responsible for supplying deadly narcotics could face an even more serious investigation after an overdose.
The sheriff’s office added that the fatal overdose investigation remains ongoing.
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(Source and image credit: St. Luci County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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