HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – July 20, 2024 – Kiusler Perez Ortiz, 24, was apprehended early this morning by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies after allegedly stealing diesel fuel and ramming an unmarked HCSO vehicle while fleeing the scene.
Deputies discovered Ortiz around 3:43 AM at a closed Mobil gas station on Hillsborough Avenue, where he was siphoning diesel fuel from an underground tank.
When confronted, Ortiz refused to comply with commands and drove his vehicle into the rear of the HCSO vehicle, narrowly missing a deputy.
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A pursuit ensued, leading deputies into Pinellas County, where Ortiz was eventually apprehended in a wooded area off Sunray Drive. Investigation revealed that Ortiz had stolen 93 gallons of diesel fuel before being caught.
Ortiz now faces numerous charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, fleeing to elude high speed, reckless driving, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. Additional charges may be filed.
“I’m glad that our deputies are safe and were able to avoid any harm from this man who clearly did not want to be arrested,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our patrol deputies resolved this volatile situation quickly and should be very proud of their efforts this morning.”
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