Leesburg, Florida — An 85-year-old Florida man is facing criminal charges after deputies say they caught him driving more than twice the posted speed limit while racing alongside a Corvette on a Central Florida roadway.
The unusual late-night traffic stop unfolded in Leesburg, about an hour northwest of Orlando, and has drawn attention because of the driver’s age and his insistence that he was merely enjoying a drive in his prized sports car.
Authorities, however, say the evidence pointed to something far more dangerous.
Deputies Say Vehicles Reached Triple-Digit Speeds
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on June 12 in a zone where the speed limit was posted at 45 mph.
Investigators said a deputy observed a Nissan 350Z convertible driven by Williams Bosworth, 85, traveling alongside a red Chevrolet Corvette at extremely high speeds.
Law enforcement officials reported that Bosworth’s vehicle was clocked at approximately 110 mph, while the Corvette allegedly reached 125 mph.
Both vehicles were later stopped by deputies.
Body camera footage obtained by local media showed an officer approaching Bosworth’s vehicle after the stop and informing him of the speeds that had been recorded.
Driver Denies Street Racing Allegations
During the encounter, Bosworth repeatedly denied taking part in a street race.
Instead, he claimed he accelerated because the other driver had allegedly swerved toward him and he wanted to create distance between the vehicles.
The 85-year-old told deputies he had simply been out enjoying a drive in what he described as his favorite car.
“I never intended to cause anyone any problems, and I don’t want any problems,” Bosworth told the deputy.
Authorities were not convinced by the explanation.
The deputy informed Bosworth that the behavior he observed appeared consistent with street racing and explained why criminal charges were being considered.
“Listen, Mr. Bosworth. I wasn’t born last night,” the officer said. “I know what street racing looks like when I see it. You guys were street racing.”
Even after being confronted with the allegations, Bosworth continued to deny participating in a race.
Both Drivers Taken Into Custody
After speaking with Bosworth, deputies placed him under arrest. Authorities charged him with street racing and dangerous excessive speeding, according to reports.
The driver of the Corvette, identified as 57-year-old Philip Signorino, was also stopped by another deputy and arrested on similar charges.
Like Bosworth, Signorino reportedly denied racing. Jail records indicate that both men later posted bond following their arrests.
Florida’s Super Speeder Law Carries Serious Penalties
The case falls under Florida’s so-called Super Speeder Law, which allows law enforcement officers to make arrests when drivers are caught traveling at extremely excessive speeds.
Under the law, motorists can face criminal charges if they:
- Drive 50 mph or more above the posted speed limit.
- Exceed 100 mph regardless of the posted speed limit.
Unlike ordinary speeding violations, these offenses may result in criminal penalties. Potential consequences include:
- Significant fines
- Driver’s license suspension
- Court appearances
- Possible jail time for certain violations
Officials say the law was designed to discourage dangerous driving behaviors that put other motorists at risk.
Authorities Emphasize Road Safety
While the unusual circumstances surrounding the arrest have generated attention, law enforcement officials continue to stress the dangers associated with high-speed driving.
Authorities say speeds above 100 mph dramatically reduce reaction times and increase the risk of serious crashes, especially on roads with lower speed limits and surrounding traffic.
As the case moves through the legal process, both drivers will have an opportunity to respond to the charges in court.
What do you think about Florida’s super speeder law? Should drivers caught traveling more than 100 mph face criminal charges, regardless of age or circumstances? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
