Reckless driver arrested

A 67-year-old Miami motorist speeding in a 2020, black Chevrolet Camaro was arrested Friday morning after he nearly caused a head-on collision on U.S. 1 while passing illegally.

Ricardo Paez was charged with reckless driving.

There were no reported injuries.

At approximately 10 a.m. Friday, an off-duty Key West Police Department officer was riding his bicycle on the northbound U.S. 1 shoulder when he reported seeing a car pass him traveling approximately 120 mph. The officer stated he was nearly blown off his bicycle. Moments later, a Sheriff’s Office Detective in an unmarked vehicle at Mile Marker 18 reported seeing the same suspect car pass about 10 vehicles while traveling approximately 90 mph in a 45 mph zone. The Detective reported the suspect car was speeding and would have caused a head-on crash had the opposing traffic not swerved off the roadway.

Lt. Dennis Coleman and Deputy Ty Torres located the Camaro on Sacarma Drive on Cudjoe Key. Paez was the driver. There were no other people in the car.

Paez stated he traveled to Key West on Thursday, because of he was undergoing a divorce. When asked his profession, Paez stated he, “tests vehicles to their capacity.” When asked if he had been stopped in Monroe County by law enforcement previously, Paez answered in the affirmative.

Paez was taken to jail.

Paez was stopped by Sheriff’s Office Deputies Thursday four times for traffic infractions. He was given a written warning before being cited multiple times on Thursday.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]