A seven-time convicted felon was recently arrested after fleeing from a traffic stop in Central Florida.
On May 7th, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle with no tail lights near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Kingsway Road, near Tampa. The driver fled the stop at a high rate of speed.
The motorcycle continued southbound until it was spotted by another deputy on South Parsons Avenue. At that point, the deputy, unaware the rider was fleeing an earlier stop, attempted to pull the motorcycle over once again. The rider fled a second time.
The suspect continued westbound on Jess Walden Road, where he passed a third patrol unit. Once again, the rider refused to stop.
HCSO’s Aviation Unit responded and provided aerial support, guiding ground units to the suspects’ location.
The rider and a passenger abandoned the motorcycle near Old Hillsborough Avenue and attempted to flee on foot.
After a brief foot pursuit, deputies and K9 units successfully arrested both individuals. The driver was identified as 41-year-old John Nazario, a seven-time convicted felon. The female passenger was found in possession of drug paraphernalia including fentanyl. She was also taken into custody.
Nazario faced charges of Violation of Parole (Arrest With or Without a Warrant), Fleeing to Elude Highspeed (x3), Resisting Officer Without Violence, and Driving While License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked (Second or Subsequent Offense).
“This convicted felon chose yet again to disregard the law and put people’s lives in danger,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “If you make the choice to be reckless and endanger lives in this community, know this: we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will make sure you face the consequences of your actions.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
