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State Troopers Tree Seffner Man After High-Speed Chase

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By SHANNON JOYNER

News Channel 8

Published: June 18, 2008

Manuel Torres-Rodriguez

SEFFNER - A man who refused to stop his vehicle for Florida Highway Patrol troopers early Tuesday morning fled on foot and was found hiding in a tree, according to an arrest affidavit.

Authorities were attempting to stop Manuel Torres-Rodriguez, of 11112 E. U.S. 92, Seffner, after he failed to move over to the far lane of Interstate 4 as he passed a trooper's vehicle that was pulled over on the shoulder with its emergency lights on.

Florida passed the Move Over law in 2002. The law requires drivers to move over and away from stopped emergency vehicles or to slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. The law is designed to protect law enforcement and emergency responders from being struck by passing vehicles.

Troopers then attempted to pull Torres-Rodriguez over, but he fled in the blue Chevrolet four-door car, exceeding 100 mph and weaving in and out of traffic, the report states.

Torres-Rodriguez stopped his vehicle at U.S. 92 east of Kingston Road in Seffner, where he ran into a wooded area, the report states. Several minutes later, troopers found him hiding in a tree.

The Chevrolet Torres-Rodriguez drove was reported stolen by the Seminole Police Department, the report states.

Torres-Rodriguez was charged with reckless driving, auto theft, fleeing to elude and resisting arrest without violence, jail records show.

He was being held Tuesday night at Orient Road Jail on $4,750 bail.

Reporter Ray Reyes contributed to this report.

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