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Driver Hit Cars, Warehouse, Troopers Say

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

PORT RICHEY - A 23-year-old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon, accused of driving under the influence of drugs and slamming his sport utility vehicle into a warehouse, then driving away, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports.

Joseph Charles Apostolou of 9735 Warrick St., Port Richey, faces multiple charges, including DUI first offense, DUI with property damage, and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. He was being held Thursday at Land O' Lakes Jail, with bail set at $3,250.

Before Apostolou struck the warehouse building at 6620 Butch St., he rear-ended a pickup on U.S. 19 at Embassy Boulevard, where a witness began following him as he fled, troopers said.

After hitting the warehouse, Apostolou hit a parked van on Butch Street and then backed up and struck a tree before driving off the road's shoulder and stopping, reports state.
Apostolou told a trooper he didn't know he was involved in any crashes and told the trooper he was "making it up," according to a report. The trooper asked Apostolou if he would submit to roadside evaluations of his condition, but he refused, the report said.
Apostolou was arrested and then, according to the reports, said he took two clonazepam pills, which is often used to treat seizure and panic disorders.

Lisa A. Davis

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