Florida Man Launches Himself Over Toll Plaza in Homemade Catapult to Avoid $2.50 Fee

TAMPA — State troopers arrested Chester Williams, 52, after he attempted to bypass a toll plaza using a trebuchet-style catapult he built in his backyard. The launch was partially successful, sending Williams approximately 40 feet through the air before landing in a decorative hedge. When questioned, Williams insisted he was “making a statement about government overreach” and that “$2.50 is highway robbery.” Engineers estimate he spent roughly $1,200 on materials for the catapult. “The math was actually pretty solid,” admitted toll plaza supervisor Linda Martinez. “The trajectory was just slightly off. And also, the whole thing was incredibly illegal.” Dashcam footage from other motorists shows Williams climbing into what witnesses described as “a medieval war machine” before being launched over two lanes of traffic. He reportedly yelled “FREEDOM!” during the flight. Williams suffered minor injuries including a sprained ankle and multiple scratches from the hedge. He also faces charges of reckless endangerment, toll evasion, and operating an unlicensed projectile device. When asked if he regretted the attempt, Williams stated he was already “designing version 2.0 with better landing cushions.”