Landscaper Arrested After FHP Chase In Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL -- A landscaper, who was clocked doing 103 mph in his Kia Optima, was taken into custody early Friday morning in Sarasota County after he allegedly led state troopers on a wild chase that ended when he crashed into a cable holding up a utility pole, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Twenty-five-year-old Emmitt Wilson of Tampa was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license and resisting without violence. A passenger in his car, Jackie Chapman, was also charged with resisting without violence.

FHP said the incident happened around 12:45 a.m. at the intersection of Bahia Vista Drive and Cattlemen Road.

"The Florida Highway Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a Kia Optima for speeding, 103 mph in a posted 70 zone, on southbound I-75 at mile marker 212," explained Lt. Gregory S. Bueno of FHP, who added that the vehicle fled west on Fruitville Road and traveled through a red light at Beneva Road.

At one point, the incident caused a minor crash between two unrelated vehicles.

"The Kia then fled eastbound in the westbound lanes of Fruitville Road and eventually crashed into a power pole guy-wire at the intersection of Bahia Vista Drive and Cattlemen Road," said Bueno. "Three occupants exited the Kia and fled on foot."

The third person in the car managed to get away.