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Suspect Captured In Retention Pond

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By CHRIS ECHEGARAY

Published: September 27, 2007

By CHRIS ECHEGARAY

The Tampa Tribune

ST. PETERSBURG -- A 24-year-old man who was involved in a crash was arrested after fleeing from deputies and hiding in a retention pond Thursday, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported.

Joseph Siplin, of 426 38th St. S., was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, carrying a concealed firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Deputies attempted to stop Siplin for a traffic violation as he was driving north on Interstate 275 near 9th Street north at 2:30 p.m. Siplin, in a silver Dodge Charger, fled and drove southbound on the northbound entrance ramp to the highway, the report says.

Siplin crashed at Roosevelt Boulevard and I-275, authorities said in a statement. No one was injured. Siplin ran across the highway and into a retention pond east of the crash.

Deputies cordoned off the area preventing the suspect's escape and a helicopter crew went to locate the Siplin.

A St. Petersburg police K-9 officer entered the retention pond with a deputy and arrested Siplin as he was attempting to hide in the water and tall grass. Siplin suffered minor bite wounds when he positioned himself between the K-9 officer and his dog, the report said.

Authorities found illegal drugs and a handgun after Siplin was arrested, the report said.

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