A 47-year-old Florida man was arrested after several drivers reported seeing him driving in reverse down a highway. The incident occurred on March 13, leading to a police stop in a Panda Express parking lot.
Multiple Drivers Call Police on Reckless Driving
According to Click2Orlando, multiple drivers called the police after spotting a silver sedan driving backward in the eastbound lanes of the highway. The vehicle was tracked to a Panda Express parking lot, where deputies made contact with the driver, William Murphy III.
Murphy’s Explanation for Driving in Reverse
When questioned by police, Murphy explained that his car had a mechanical issue and that driving it backward to AutoZone was the best solution. However, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the car’s “problems evaporated” when deputies approached, raising questions about his story.
Bodycam Footage Shows Murphy’s Defiant Attitude
Bodycam footage from the incident, obtained by Click2Orlando, shows Murphy denying any wrongdoing. “I didn’t think it was that bad, you know what I’m saying? I wasn’t even swerving or anything like that or driving fast,” he claimed to the deputies during the stop.
Arrest and Charges
Murphy was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, a charge he has previously faced 10 times. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.
