Police Identify DUI Suspect in Slow Speed Chase in Melbourne

December 29, 2024 -- 06:00pm By: Rhonda Forbes Smith -- TheBlakeMoiaShow.com Breaking News and Crime Correspondent -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Melbourne police identified 25-year-old Malcolm Miles Chavez Gray from Palm Bay after he allegedly led Melbourne Police on a slow-roll pursuit along Babcock Street near Andretti Thrill Park. We initially reported this as breaking news as it was happening.

According to an arrest report, reports from by standards and concerned members of the public came in regarding a blue Toyota stopped in the middle of the roadway on Babcock Street. When officers approached, they could smell the odor of alcohol, and the driver was passed out over the steering wheel. Gray suddenly woke up and drove away from the officers, leading them on a 10 MPH pursuit, running into the side curb and driving over grassy medians.

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A police Lieutenant authorized the use of a PIT maneuver, and officers were able to immobilize the vehicle before taken him into custody. Both the police vehicle and the suspects' car were damaged.

Gray was taken to the Brevard County Jail and booked on DUI, DUI w/ property damage and fleeing and eluding officers. His bond was set at $3,000 and was released on Pre-Trial Release. He was also given 3 criminal traffic citations as well.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Melbourne Police Officers were engaged in a brief pursuit of a reckless driver earlier this morning.

At approximately 1am, officers were dispatched to a reckless driver who was failing to maintain lanes and randomly stopping in the middle of traffic. When officers responded they spotted the vehicle matching the description that caller gave dispatchers.

Responding officers stopped the vehicle and reported the driver was slumped over the steering wheel and passed out. The driver suddenly woke up, closed the door and drove away.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but continued southbound near Andretti Thrill Park.

The driver was reportedly slow rolling between 5 and 25mph down Babcock Street, running into curbs and driving onto the grass median. Police supervisors gave permission to use a PIT maneuver technique to stop the vehicle.

No other traffic was involved, and nobody was injured during the pursuit. Authorities were able to arrest the driver at the scene.