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Hudson Man Charged In Car Chase

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By LISA A. DAVIS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2008

  Vincent Palma

HUDSON - A 31-year-old man was arrested by Pasco County deputies Wednesday afternoon, accused of stealing a car, leading deputies on a chase and attempting to hit a deputy with the stolen vehicle.

Vincent Richard Palma of 12331 Parkwood Drive faces charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude and grand theft auto. He was being held today at the Land O' Lakes Jail with bail set at $20,000.

According to sheriff's office reports, Palma stole a green Pontiac Bonneville from 13014 Lake Karl Drive. The owner's brother spotted the car being driven by a stranger west on State Road 52. Jim Mattos called his brother Andrew Collins, who told him to call 911. Mattos continued following the vehicle, which went to Saltwater Drive, off U.S. 19, reports state.

Mattos met a deputy at the intersection, and as the deputy waited for backup, he spotted the stolen vehicle and flipped on his cruiser's emergency lights.

The Pontiac's driver started to pull over, so Deputy Sean Gibson got out of his cruiser to confront the driver, according to a report. The driver then swerved at the deputy, who jumped back into his car, reports state.

A pursuit began, and the chase reached speeds of up to 85 mph on U.S. 19, according to reports. The Pontiac almost caused accidents and blew through a red light, reports state.

The driver stopped at Ashwood Drive and Zimmerman Road after his front right tire tore apart, according to reports.

As Palma got out of the car, the Pontiac rolled backward and struck the front push bar on the cruiser, but it didn't cause major damage, reports state. Palma was arrested.

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