LABELLE — On Sept. 10, 2023, Florida Highway Patrol Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a black Ford Mustang with silver stripes on State Road 80 (Cowboy Way) in Hendry County, for speeding at 126 mph. The driver of the Ford Mustang made several evasive maneuvers and evaded the traffic stop.

During the days after the incident, troopers continued to search for the driver of the Mustang.

On Sept. 12, the investigation led to a residence off Long Lake Drive in Fort Myers, in which the driver was located and identified as 19-year-old Riley Crews Gutierrez. Troopers also located the Mustang at the residence, but noticed its appearance was significantly different, due to the silver stripes being painted over and the hood removed.

Riley was placed under arrest for the below mentioned criminal charges and booked into the county jail.

Riley was charged with criminal charges of fleeing and/or eluding; alter, destroy and conceal; remove physical evidence; and reckless driving. Infraction charges are speeding – in excess of 50 mph over speed limit and disregarded stop sign.