TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Manhunt underway for suspect accused of kidnapping woman and fleeing from Florida troopers on Interstate-4

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is currently conducting an intensive search for a man who allegedly kidnapped a woman and led troopers on a high-speed chase along Interstate-4 on Tuesday. The incident, which took place near the Polk-Hillsborough county line, has left authorities determined to bring the suspect to justice.

According to FHP reports, at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, an eyewitness observed a distressed woman inside a westbound Kia sedan, desperately trying to exit the vehicle and calling for help. Troopers immediately attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver of the sedan accelerated, refusing to comply with their commands.

What ensued was a dangerous pursuit, with the suspect skillfully maneuvering the vehicle on and off the interstate multiple times. Shockingly, the driver even resorted to driving against the flow of traffic in the eastbound lanes, albeit for a brief period, endangering the lives of innocent motorists.

Eventually, the troopers lost sight of the suspect’s car after it exited onto US-92. However, their relentless efforts paid off when the abandoned vehicle was located at the renowned Hard Rock Casino. This discovery has prompted a thorough investigation into the suspect’s whereabouts and motives.

Authorities have since identified the victim as a 27-year-old woman from Orlando. She was discovered at a gas station located at the intersection of US-92 and Orient Road. Fortunately, her injuries, resulting from the altercation with the suspect, were determined to be non-life threatening by FHP.

During questioning, the woman revealed that the suspect, who is commonly referred to as “Cash,” was driving her car when a heated argument over money escalated into a physical altercation. After dropping her off, the suspect was reportedly picked up by another individual, heightening concerns about his current whereabouts.

Law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information regarding the suspect’s identity or location by calling *FHP (*347) or contacting Crime Stoppers at **TIPS. With the safety of the community at stake, it is crucial that the suspect is swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.