The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was accused of refusing to let a passenger out of his truck before leading police on a chase that reached 100 mph and ended when the vehicle crashed into a ditch.
The passenger reportedly begged the 38-year-old man to stop and let her out, but he allegedly refused. According to a probable cause affidavit, he told her, “I got this,” before continuing to drive.
The truck eventually became too damaged to make a turn and crashed into a ditch, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver allegedly ran from the wreck and hid in nearby grass before troopers found and arrested him.
The driver allegedly sideswiped another vehicle while traveling on U.S. 41. Troopers attempted two PIT maneuvers, but neither stopped the truck. At one point, the driver allegedly tried to ram a police cruiser. He also allegedly ran multiple red lights and drove the wrong way while reaching speeds of 100 mph.
The pursuit began around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday after troopers reportedly spotted the Ford F-150 traveling 91 mph on Interstate 75 in the Tampa area. When they attempted to pull the driver over, he allegedly refused to stop and continued onto other roads.
After the arrest, troopers suspected the driver had been impaired. They said he was sweating heavily and had vomited. The man allegedly told investigators he had consumed three shots of whiskey mixed with Coke and smoked marijuana earlier in the day.
He complained of rib and wrist pain and was taken to a hospital. Troopers attempted to conduct a field sobriety test, but he allegedly refused to open his eyes or stand. He also reportedly refused to provide a blood sample.
The man faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and false imprisonment. He remained at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.