Trooper collides with motorist in New Smyrna Beach while chasing a speeding biker

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A trooper in pursuit of a motorcycle on State Road 44, clipped an SUV while trying to turn onto Jungle Road this morning resulting in injuries to both drivers, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

Trooper Melvin Lane, 59, was east on S.R. 44 trying to catch a speeding biker at 9 a.m. when he turned left and clipped a westbound Lexus driven by 57-year-old Debra Ann Bennett. The collision caused her SUV to flip.

The trooper was treated at the scene for an injury to his hand and Bennett was transported to Bert Fish Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.