LEESBURG, Florida — An 85-year-old Florida man was cited and arrested after deputies said he was driving more than twice the posted speed limit during what authorities described as an apparent street-racing incident, an unusual traffic stop that has drawn attention because of the driver's age and explanation to law enforcement.
The incident occurred on June 12 in Lake County, northwest of Orlando, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said they observed two sports cars traveling at high speeds along U.S. Highway 27 and County Road 33 near Leesburg shortly before midnight. Radar readings indicated one vehicle was traveling at approximately 110 mph (177 kph) and another at about 125 mph (201 kph) in a zone posted at 45 mph (72 kph), authorities said.
Deputies stopped the driver of the gray sports car, identified as William Bosworth, 85. According to an arrest affidavit cited by local media, Bosworth denied participating in a race and told deputies he accelerated after another vehicle swerved toward him. He later said he was “out having a little ride in my favorite car,” according to body-camera footage released by authorities.
The sheriff's office charged Bosworth with participating in a vehicle race and dangerous excessive speeding. Authorities also arrested the driver of the second vehicle, identified as 57-year-old Philip Signorino, on similar allegations. Both men were taken into custody following the traffic stop, according to local reports.
The case comes as Florida continues enforcing a recently enacted law targeting so-called “super speeders,” drivers accused of traveling at exceptionally high speeds or significantly exceeding posted limits. Law enforcement agencies across the state have reported a number of arrests under the statute since it took effect.
Traffic safety officials have repeatedly warned that excessive speed increases the likelihood and severity of crashes. The Lake County Sheriff's Office did not report any injuries or collisions related to the June 12 incident. Authorities said the traffic stop was initiated before any crash occurred.
Bosworth's age became a focus of public discussion after details of the arrest were released. However, authorities emphasized that the charges stemmed from the alleged driving behavior rather than the driver's age. Details regarding court appearances or legal representation for the defendants were not immediately available.
As of Friday, both cases remained pending in the Florida court system. The Lake County Sheriff's Office said the investigation had concluded and that the matter would proceed through the judicial process.
