Teen Arrested After Killing Three People in Fiery Crash
On the afternoon of Sunday, March 1, 2026, District 1 patrol officers responded to a devastating traffic crash on Atlantic Boulevard in the Empire Point area. Witnesses told detectives 17-year-old Sidney Reshawn Harrell was traveling westbound when he crossed the median into
oncoming traffic, striking another vehicle head-on before crashing into a second vehicle. The first vehicle was then hit by another car and burst into flames, trapping three people inside. Despite the efforts of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, a 50-year-old man, 13-year-old boy, and 14-year-old boy died at the scene. Three other individuals were seriously injured and transported to local medical facilities.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) Traffic Homicide Unit launched a thorough investigation, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Detectives learned that Harrell did not have a valid driver’s license at the time. He only possessed a learner’s permit which had been suspended in January 2026.
Surveillance video showed Harrell driving at a high rate of speed. Data from the vehicle’s electronic data recorder showed he had the accelerator at 100% and was barreling down Atlantic Boulevard at 98 mph just seconds before impact. A witness also reported that Harrell had been weaving in and out of traffic and appeared to be smoking a “blunt” at a redlight. A toxicology test confirmed a large amount of THC in Harrell’s system at the time of the crash.
On Monday, July 6, 2026, Harrell was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop—after an officer caught him speeding yet again, even after causing a crash that killed three people.
He is charged with:
To view the post regarding this arrest on JSO's social media platforms, please click on the following link: Facebook
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) Traffic Homicide Unit launched a thorough investigation, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Detectives learned that Harrell did not have a valid driver’s license at the time. He only possessed a learner’s permit which had been suspended in January 2026.
Surveillance video showed Harrell driving at a high rate of speed. Data from the vehicle’s electronic data recorder showed he had the accelerator at 100% and was barreling down Atlantic Boulevard at 98 mph just seconds before impact. A witness also reported that Harrell had been weaving in and out of traffic and appeared to be smoking a “blunt” at a redlight. A toxicology test confirmed a large amount of THC in Harrell’s system at the time of the crash.
On Monday, July 6, 2026, Harrell was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop—after an officer caught him speeding yet again, even after causing a crash that killed three people.
He is charged with:
- Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
- Three counts of Vehicular Homicide
- Three counts of DUI Manslaughter
- Three counts of DUI Causing Injury
To view the post regarding this arrest on JSO's social media platforms, please click on the following link: Facebook