Suspect bites trooper, runs away after Florida vehicle pursuit ends in PIT maneuver, FHP says
By Layza Pinero Resto
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LEHIGH ACRES, Florida (WBBH) — A vehicle pursuit in Lehigh Acres ended with a PIT maneuver and the suspect biting a trooper before running away, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP says that on Friday night troopers attempted to stop a BMW on SR-82 and Gun Club Road for speeding. The driver of the BMW drove away and a pursuit ensued.
Jeff Nozius, a Lehigh Acres resident, said the incident was surprising.
“Actually been out in Lehigh Acres for about a year now. And so far, so quiet, really. So this is pretty surprising of the news that I’m hearing today,” Nozius said.
Nozius recalled seeing police activity near his home on Friday night.
“Last night I was actually coming home around, I think sometimes ten, 10:30 p.m. last night. And I did see some, some lights, but I didn’t think too much of it. Just went back in the house and kind of went to sleep,” he said.
Troopers stopped the BMW. As they were trying to arrest the driver, FHP says that the suspect physically resisted before biting a trooper’s arm and running off.
The bitten trooper was taken to a hospital for treatment. FHP has identified the suspect, and says they are working to obtain an arrest warrant.
Inside the vehicle, FHP says, was a trafficking amount of methamphetamine, along with cocaine and a firearm.
Nozius shared his thoughts on the situation.
“Very surprised really. I think that’s a little bit scary, that, person’s still out there,” Nozius said.
The suspect faces several charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and more.
FHP says that the incident remains under investigation.
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