PORT RICHEY -- A Florida Highway Patrol trooper used a PIT maneuver to bring an end to the pursuit of a DUI suspect that resulted in a host of charges for an 18-year-old from Brooksville.
The incident began early Monday morning in Port Richey, where police say they tried to pull over a speeding pickup truck on Grand Boulevard and Queener Avenue. They say it didn't stop and almost drove off the roadway several times. The pickup driver then ran a red light at Grand and U.S. 19, turning south in the northbound lanes and crossing the bridge into New Port Richey. Police in that city joined the pursuit as did the Pasco Sheriff's Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. It lasted more than 20 minutes, and troopers say 18-year-old Juelius Matusiak drove the wrong way several times. A state trooper took out the pickup with a PIT maneuver and Matusiak was taken into custody. He faces several charges:
Four counts of fleeing to elude, three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, and one count each of DUI and no valid driver's license.
The trooper who pitted the pickup got treated for minor injuries.
Photo: FHP