‘Habitual Traffic Offender’ Arrested In Manatee County: FHP

RUSKIN, FL - A man described by Florida Highway Patrol as a “habitual traffic offender” was arrested over the weekend by Manatee County deputies on unrelated warrants, FHP said Monday. Lee Lyman Bassett, 30, of North Port, also faces hit-and-run charges involving a crash in Ruskin on Friday night, according to authorities.

Troopers had been searching for Bassett after the hit-and-run crash occurred about 11 p.m. on U.S. 41 north of Gulf City Road in Ruskin. Four people were injured in the crash, including a 13-year-old boy who had serious injuries. FHP said Bassett ran away from the scene.

Christian Sanchez, 20, was driving north on U.S. 41 with four passengers when a pickup driven by Bassett also headed north hit the back of his SUV, according to a FHP report. Sanchez lost control and his SUV left the roadway and rolled over. A 17-year-old boy and 18-year-old boy suffered minor injuries. The 13-year-old boy was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.

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