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Boy, 13, Charged In Car Chase

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By LISA A. DAVIS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 11, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - It might have looked like any other red-light runner when the deputy saw the Nissan Sentra blow through an intersection about 4 a.m. Wednesday.

But behind the wheel was someone who shouldn't have been: a 13-year-old boy, according to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report.

With lights on and siren sounding, Deputy Michael Szeliga tried to pull over the car at Trouble Creek Road and U.S. 19, but it headed south in a northbound lane, the report states.

The teenager raced at 80 mph down the highway, according to the report, with the deputy following. The 2001 Sentra returned to the correct lane, but it swerved toward the patrol car, forcing Szeliga to brake hard and change directions to avoid being struck, the report states.

The young driver continued south, then made a U-turn at a red light and raced along U.S. 19, almost hitting a vehicle near Moog Road, the report states. The suspect swerved to avoid hitting the other car, ran off the road and flattened two tires.

The Sentra headed north, turned east on Flamingo Drive in New Port Richey and began to slow down.

The deputy tried to overtake the Nissan, but the vehicle swerved into the passenger side of the cruiser, forcing the deputy off the road, according to the report.
Szeliga wasn't hurt.

A short time later, the Chasco Middle School seventh-grader stopped the car and was arrested on charges of fleeing to elude, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

"He really shows a disregard for safety and for law enforcement," said sheriff's office spokesman Doug Tobin. "It's pretty bold and brazen for a 13-year-old."

The Tribune does not identify children younger than 14 charged with a crime.

The teen was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center and then booked into the Juvenile Detention Center in Land O' Lakes. It wasn't clear Thursday whether he was still there.

"Hopefully, he won't get released with a hand slap in the juvenile system, but that's up to the judge," Tobin said.

His grandmother, who apparently has custody of the boy, couldn't be reached for comment.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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