FLORIDA HIGHWAY SHOOTING SUSPECT SENTENCED TO LIFE

(Sumter County, FL) Today, the Honorable Judge Hatcher sentenced Miguel Espinosa Navarro to Life in Prison with a 20-year Minimum Mandatory for a disturbing case that unfolded on June 27, 2020.

Navarro while driving a black Ford F150 Raptor on I-75, recklessly discharged a firearm at passing vehicles. One shot went through a driver's window, narrowly missing the occupants. Multiple 9-1-1 calls prompted Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) patrol deputies to intervene, leading to a standoff where Navarro wielded his firearm.

Deputies successfully stopped traffic, ensuring the safety of motorists, during their attempts to subdue the suspect. Navarro fled in his pickup, ultimately crashing into a fence along the interstate. Following a brief struggle, deputies were able to apprehend him and locate the discarded firearm.

Body cam videos and a passing motorist's recording of the incident were pivotal during the trial. A Sumter County jury delivered a guilty verdict on September 13, 2023, finding Navarro guilty on six counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Firearm, 2 counts of Shooting into an occupied vehicle and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude with recklessness or high speed.

“Justice prevailed in the face of reckless violence,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The sentencing of Navarro sends a resolute message that endangering lives through senseless acts will be met with severe consequences.”

Our office would like to recognize those SCSO deputies who actively engaged and apprehended Navarro during this dangerous situation. Their swift actions ensured no citizens were injured by Navarro's depraved behavior.

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Florida Department of Law Enforcement lab analysts, along with Assistant State Attorneys Sonny McCathran and Dan Geraghty played crucial roles in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.