Burglary Suspect Tried To Run Over Deputies: Hillsborough Sheriff

GIBSONTON, FL — A burglary suspect was arrested after trying to ram deputies with his vehicle in Gibsonton Tuesday night, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The sheriff’s office called in its K9 unit to arrest Dylan Airhart, 25, on occupied burglary and felony theft charges just after 9:30 p.m.

Airhart drove away from the scene near Nundy Avenue and U.S. Highway 41 S. and the HCSO Street Crimes Unit put down stop sticks, the agency said. At this point, he intentionally drove off the road and tried to run over deputies.

The Florida Highway Patrol, which had been called in to help the sheriff’s office, was able to stop Airhart using a PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver that flipped his vehicle on its side.

When the K9 unit and deputies approached the vehicle, they found Airhart and a passenger, Victoria Ramey, 20. Both of them were taken into custody without incident, the sheriff’s office said.

No deputies or state troopers were injured during the incident.

Airhart was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with intent to commit a felony with a weapon, five counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, burglary of an occupied dwelling, felony petit theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of aggravated fleeing to elude, driving while his license was revoked (habitual offender) and possession of a controlled substance.

Ramey was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of five or more personal identification of another.

"I am incredibly grateful that no one was injured in this dangerous situation. The suspect's reckless attempts to run over our deputies were horrifying and unacceptable, and we will not tolerate these types of actions," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "I am deeply thankful for the collaboration with Florida Highway Patrol, whose assistance was vital in arresting this dangerous individual."