22-Year-Old Driver Arrested After Fleeing Police, Crashing Car on BR-101

A 22-year-old man, identified as Rafael Costa Pelissari, was arrested on Sunday, May 26th, following a police pursuit that ended with his car overturning on the BR-101 highway in Viana, Espírito Santo. According to the Federal Highway Police, Pelissari exhibited signs of intoxication and was driving with a suspended driver's license, which had been suspended since December of the previous year. He had also refused a breathalyzer test during a prior traffic stop when his license was suspended. Pelissari reportedly celebrated his 22nd birthday on Saturday, May 25th, with a night of drinking in Vitória, followed by a visit to a friend's house before being apprehended on the highway. The incident began when police were alerted to a visibly intoxicated driver passing through the Guarapari toll booth. When officers attempted to stop him a few kilometers later, Pelissari disobeyed the order and fled, leading to a pursuit. The accident occurred around 8:45 AM near kilometer 302. Evidence at the scene suggests Pelissari lost control on a curve, veered off the road, struck a curb, and ultimately rolled his vehicle, coming to rest upside down near a company's wall. He managed to exit the car through the passenger window without apparent injuries and refused medical attention and a breathalyzer test. Pelissari was charged with driving under the influence, driving without a license, disobeying police orders, and violating his license suspension. He was taken to the Cariacica Regional Police Station and subsequently transferred to the prison system.