Authorities report that a man came dangerously close to colliding with triathlon participants several times during the race’s Five Points segment, necessitating the use of a PIT maneuver to bring him to a halt.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Saturday, a Jacksonville resident was taken into custody after allegedly driving under the influence and endangering competitors in the city’s first-ever Jacksonville Ironman event.
Sixty-two-year-old Darrell Simon is currently held on a bond exceeding $215,000, facing eight felony charges alongside numerous misdemeanor counts.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated that officers stationed near the triathlon course in Five Points observed a vehicle recklessly veering into the athletes’ path around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The driver, identified as Simon, reportedly ignored commands to stop, prompting a police chase.
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Footage from officers’ cameras shows the car coming perilously close to participants multiple times as it raced toward Riverside Park. The pursuit concluded with a PIT maneuver, leading to Simon’s arrest. The arrest report further notes that the suspect allegedly collided with another vehicle, causing damage on Riverside Park Place.
The sheriff’s office says this is Simon’s third DUI arrest in the past 10 years. Court records show Simon is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges in early June as of this publication.
“We understand many people were not fans of the traffic delays on Saturday, but we closed lanes and roads to keep the athletes and spectators safe,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “This incident could’ve led to a tragedy and we’re grateful the officers’ quick actions stopped anyone from possibly getting hurt or killed.”
Traffic control and road closure awareness were an issue throughout the event, and two bicyclists were involved in collisions with vehicles, according to a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue spokesperson. No life-threatening injuries were reported in connection with those crashes, which both happened in St. Johns County.