A 16-year-old girl was arrested Sunday morning after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and crashing during a brief pursuit in Pasco County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Trooper J.D. Figueroa observed the teenager speeding in a GMC Acadia on U.S. Highway 19 near Gulf Trace Boulevard at approximately 6:36 a.m., with radar clocking the SUV traveling 60 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. The driver allegedly told troopers she had only a learner’s permit from either Maine or Massachusetts and was rushing to obtain medication for her brother. While troopers attempted to verify her information, she allegedly placed the SUV in drive and fled the McDonald’s parking lot at approximately 6:42 a.m. Troopers pursued the vehicle with emergency lights and sirens activated as it traveled west on Camry Drive, until the teenager lost control at the intersection of Gulf Trace Boulevard, striking a curb and a cable box. The SUV became disabled along the shoulder, and the driver was taken into custody at approximately 6:45 a.m. No injuries were reported in the information released. The teenager is charged with fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer with emergency lights and sirens activated, as well as citations for speeding, careless driving, and operating a vehicle with only a learner’s permit without a licensed driver age 21 or older present. Troopers said the girl’s mother later told law enforcement that she had not given her daughter permission to take the vehicle.
Facts
- The 16-year-old driver was clocked speeding at 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.
- She allegedly fled the scene after troopers attempted to verify her information.
- The teenager lost control of the SUV and struck a curb and cable box during the pursuit.
- She was charged with fleeing and eluding an officer, speeding, careless driving, and operating with only a learner’s permit.
