A Florida driver had an odd request after deputies stopped him during a police chase. With officers ordering him out of his overturned truck, he wanted a cigarette.
The chase happened on October 18, 2026, in North Fort Myers. Lee County Sheriff’s deputies helped Fort Myers police find 32-year-old driver Zachary Murray, who had fled a traffic stop.
As deputies searched for him, Murray was still driving through town. However, he soon caught their attention by running a red light and nearly hitting another truck.
What followed ended with Murray climbing out of his damaged vehicle and being taken into custody. A search of the truck later turned up drugs, leading to charges that went beyond his driving.
Running Out Of Road
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Murray was driving along Orange Grove Boulevard when he reached Pondella Road. The car in front of him was stopped, but he drove around it and continued on, straight through a red light.
A truck also crossed the road at the same time, and Murray nearly hit it before continuing on.
When deputies tried to stop him, he hit the gas. But his truck lost traction and nearly struck another vehicle.
Murray then crossed the median and drove into lanes meant for oncoming traffic. Deputies used a PIT maneuver to stop him, causing his truck to turn and flip onto its side.
With the chase over, deputies approached the overturned truck with their guns drawn. They ordered Murray to climb out.
One Small Request
Still inside his truck, Murray had a question.
“Can I get a cigarette?” he asked.
A deputy told him to get out. Murray apologized as he climbed through the driver’s side window.
Then came another remark.
“I think I’m going to jail,” Murray said.
Once outside, deputies arrested Murray. Their search of the truck uncovered cocaine and other drugs.
More Than A Chase
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrest records show that Murray was booked the same day. One of his charges was trafficking cocaine, with the charge covering amounts from 28 grams to 150 kilograms. The record does not state exactly how much cocaine deputies found.
Another charge accused Murray of having a Schedule II controlled substance with plans to sell, make, or deliver it. He also faces several drug possession charges, including marijuana possession, along with possession of drug paraphernalia.
The driving charges include fleeing and eluding and reckless driving. Records list a $25,000 bond for the cocaine trafficking charge and $50,000 for fleeing and eluding. Other charges have separate bond amounts.
As of October 31, Murray was still listed as being held in the Lee County Jail. His next county court hearing was scheduled for November 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.