At about 3:20 a.m. this morning officers spotted a blue 2014 Volkswagen Jetta that was said to be stolen on August 5. The owner says at the time a spare set of keys may have been left in the car when it was stolen.
St. Petersburg police officers attempted to stop the vehicle in the area 20th Avenue South and 15th Street, however the driver failed to yield and drove directly at a K-9 officer’s cruiser causing him to take evasive action to avoid a collision. A 10 minute pursuit ensued and which at one point briefly proceeded into Gulfport’s jurisdiction.
The driver eventually lost control of the car striking an unoccupied parked vehicle in the driveway of 3001 22nd Avenue South. The driver and two other occupants were all taken into custody.
Of the three, two were taken to the hospital, but preliminary information indicates that their injuries are not serious.
After further investigation, it was determined that Darrell Carter, 36, was the driver of the car. He is charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Auto Theft, Driving While License Suspended (Felony), and Possession of Marijuana.
Furthermore, the other two passengers were identified as 23 year old Bryan Vicario and 21-year-old Chad Springer. They are both charged with trespassing in a conveyance and possession of marijuana.
