A vehicle pursuit of a suspect which started in Hillsborough County ended with his arrest in Hernando County.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on December 16, 2021, the suspect drove up alongside an HCSO deputy’s car in the parking lot of the Reach City Church, located at 6605 Krycul Avenue in Riverview.
The suspect, identified as Kasey Mitchell, 34, stated that he had recently been in a physical altercation with a family member at a home in Apollo Beach.
While speaking with Mitchell, the deputy made contact with other deputies on the scene of the Apollo Beach location, and learned there was an assault and battery call there. Charges of Domestic Violence were pending on Mitchell.
Deputies told Mitchell he would not be able to leave, as he was being detained. However, he did not comply, started his engine, and attempted to drive away.
A deputy deployed his agency-issued Taser toward Mitchell, which was ineffective, and Mitchell drove away. Minutes later, Mitchell intentionally rammed another deputy’s marked patrol vehicle near the intersection of Krycul Avenue and U.S. 301. No deputies were injured during the course of the incident.
Mitchell continued driving away, making his way onto I-75, where he continued driving north.
Once the suspect ventured into Pasco County, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office discontinued the pursuit. The Florida Highway Patrol would take over it, and eventually took the man into custody in Hernando County.
“Using a car as a weapon to attack one of our deputies is reckless behavior. It is unconscionable and inexcusable and will not be tolerated here in Hillsborough County,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thankfully, our deputy is okay, and this suspect is going to jail, which is where he belongs. I want to thank our law enforcement partners with the Florida Highway Patrol for taking this man into custody. He will now face charges in multiple jurisdictions.”
Mitchell faces charges of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, and Domestic Violence within HCSO’s jurisdiction. He also faces charges of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding and Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer within FHP’s jurisdiction. Additional charges are pending, as well.
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