Clearwater Teen Clocked at 129 MPH on Highway, Blames Slow McDonald's

The 18-year-old was arrested for dangerous excessive speeding after police said he was driving nearly 130 mph on U.S. Highway 19.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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An 18-year-old Clearwater man was arrested early Tuesday morning after police said he was driving nearly 130 mph on U.S. Highway 19. The driver, Christopher Leonel Garcia-Caminos, told police he was rushing back to work after a McDonald's took too long to prepare his food during his break.

Why it matters

Excessive speeding is an extremely dangerous driving behavior that puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at serious risk of injury or death. This incident highlights the need for greater traffic enforcement and education around the risks of reckless driving, especially among younger drivers.

The details

According to an arrest affidavit, an officer conducting speed enforcement on southbound U.S. Highway 19 near Sunset Point Road and State Road 590 observed Garcia-Caminos' vehicle traveling in the median lane at an estimated speed of 120-130 mph in a 55 mph zone. The officer's radar unit clocked the vehicle at 129 mph. After being read his Miranda rights, Garcia-Caminos told the officer he only had a few minutes left on his work break, was driving fast because a McDonald's took too long to prepare his food, and wanted to return to work on time.

  • The incident occurred at approximately 3:01 a.m. on February 17, 2026.

The players

Christopher Leonel Garcia-Caminos

An 18-year-old Clearwater resident who was arrested for driving nearly 130 mph on U.S. Highway 19.

Clearwater Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Garcia-Caminos and filed the arrest affidavit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to endanger the public by driving at such reckless speeds.”

— Chief Michael Lapeyrouse, Clearwater Police Chief (iontb.com)

What’s next

Garcia-Caminos is scheduled to appear in court next week to face charges for the dangerous excessive speeding incident.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious risks posed by speeding and the need for drivers, especially young ones, to exercise greater caution and responsibility behind the wheel. Excessive speed not only endangers the driver, but also innocent bystanders and other motorists on the road.