DESTIN — A 43-year-old motorcyclist caught going more than 35 mph over the speed limit on the Marler Bridge was arrested Thursday night.
Richard William Cook and four other bikers were traveling about 70 mph on the bridge — which has a posted speed limit of 35 mph — about 9:30 p.m. when an Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy tried to stop them, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
When the deputy activated his lights and siren, the bikers slowed and turned into the parking lot of Emerald Grand.
Cook, however, sped through the lot on his 2001 Harley-Davidson and back onto U.S. Highway 98. He traveled about 50 feet west in the eastbound lane with “wanton disregard for his or his passenger’s safety,” his arrest report said.
Cook crossed over the grass median into the westbound lane and sped at about 80 mph for about 2 miles before he stopped.
Cook later told the deputy he ran because his license was suspended, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with a felony of fleeing an officer and a misdemeanor traffic violation for driving with a suspended license.
Cook is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 7.
