POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A chaotic scene unfolded on State Road 60 near Bonnie Mine Road, east of Mulberry, on Tuesday.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies located a stolen dark gray Dodge Ram pickup near Lake Wales around noon. The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that day during an armed carjacking in St. Petersburg.
Upon noticing the deputy, the driver of the stolen truck accelerated, attempting to evade capture. However, at 12:11 PM, the driver lost control while attempting to pass another vehicle through the median, resulting in a crash.
Read: Florida Man Caught In Dead Neighbor’s House After Breaking In
The female passenger in the truck immediately surrendered to deputies, but the driver remained inside, armed, and refused to exit the vehicle. PCSO K9 Odin was deployed and successfully apprehended the suspect, recovering the firearm.
No deputies or civilians were injured during the incident.
The suspect is 35-year-old Cory Stowers of Pinellas Park, with eight prior felony convictions. An investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.