We never recommend trying to play a real-life game of Frogger across Highway 512. But that’s exactly what one suspect did — even grabbing onto the back of a box truck in a desperate attempt to escape arrest.
On November 4th around 10:30 a.m., one of our deputies spotted a suspicious vehicle in a known area for stolen cars, illegal dumping, and drug activity. When the deputy approached, he observed a male subject tampering with wires connected to the vehicle’s ignition. As deputies investigated, they confirmed the vehicle was stolen and that its license plate had been swapped from another car. When deputies attempted to detain the suspects, things quickly took a turn. The male suspect grabbed onto the female passenger and refused to let go. The female suspect used some clever moves to shield her boyfriend, allowing him to break free and run. The male suspect fled toward State Route 512 from the 10600 block of Aqueduct Dr. E in Parkland. Once he reached the highway, the chase turned into a dangerous, real-life version of Frogger. The suspect grabbed onto the back of a box truck and was carried about 50 yards before the driver realized what was happening and pulled over. The suspect then jumped off and ran into the Mandalay Townhomes complex. A sergeant spotted the suspect and gave chase. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody. Deputies later discovered he had a gunshot wound that he said occurred three days earlier.
The 31-year-old suspect was found to have a felony no-bail escape community custody warrant as well as a resisting arrest warrant from another jurisdiction. After being medically cleared by fire personnel, he was booked into the Pierce County Jail for possession of stolen property, theft of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and his felony warrants.
A great job by our determined and athletic deputies who refused to give up the pursuit. This was definitely someone who needed to be taken off our streets.