A suspect is in custody and facing multiple charges after he intentionally struck several Central Florida deputies with his vehicle in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Earlier this month, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a Chrysler 300 for illegal window tint and failing to stop at a stop sign.
The driver, later identified as 28-year-old Sean Bolton, refused to pull over and fled the scene.
Covert surveillance tracked the vehicle into the Carriage Point subdivision, where deputies tried to deploy stop sticks. During the deployment, Bolton deliberately aimed his vehicle at a uniformed deputy standing on the edge of the roadway. The deputy was forced to take evasive maneuvers to avoid being hit.
Deputies continued to follow the vehicle, and at the intersection of Ekker Road and Carriage Point Drive, they tried a vehicle intercept technique to prevent a dangerous pursuit. Bolton responded by intentionally ramming two HCSO vehicles and fleeing once again, prompting deputies to initiate a pursuit based on the aggravated assault charges.
“This individual had multiple opportunities to do the right thing and pull over, but instead, he chose to continue his reckless and dangerous behavior, showing a complete disregard for the safety of our deputies and the community members around him,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “His actions were irresponsible and could have had far more tragic consequences.”
During the pursuit, which lasted under a mile, Bolton’s reckless driving caused a deputy’s vehicle to strike a tree and another deputy’s vehicle to crash into a backyard fence on Carriage Point Drive. During that impact, a fence post was sent through the deputy’s window, narrowly missing the deputies inside.
Ultimately, the pursuit ended when deputies successfully performed a PIT maneuver.
Bolton was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Motor Vehicle (x3), Aggravated Fleeing to Elude Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, and Driving While License Suspended.
During the pursuit, three deputies sustained minor injuries. All three deputies were treated at Tampa General Hospital and later released.
“This individual’s reckless actions put our deputies and the community at extreme risk. I am incredibly grateful that none of our deputies or innocent bystanders were seriously injured during this criminal’s reckless attempt to avoid capture,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This brazen disregard for human life and the safety of others is exactly why our deputies work tirelessly to bring individuals like this to justice. We are relieved that this dangerous individual is now off the streets.”
The investigation is ongoing, according to local law enforcement.
