INVERNESS, FL (352today.com) – U-Haul vans are good for moving furniture but not necessarily the vehicle of choice if you’re trying to outrun law enforcement.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) says that’s what 27-year-old Michael Allen Pierce Jr. tried to do on Saturday, July 13.
The sheriff’s office says it all started when deputies instigated a traffic stop of a white U-Haul van when the driver failed to stop at a sign located at North Page Avenue off East Norvell Bryant Highway.
Instead of pulling over, deputies say he took off instead.
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They say Pierce Jr. reached speeds of nearly 80 mph while traveling down Croft Avenue.
Deputies set up stop sticks near the intersection of Croft Avenue and Gulf to Lake Highway (State Road 44) which took out the driver’s side front and rear tires.
CCSO says he continued driving through Inverness, blowing through a red light at the intersection of S. Montgomery Avenue and SR 44.
Deputies say sparks were flying as he drove on rims and ran another stop sign located at Eden Dr. and Old Floral City Road.
CCSO says the chase came to an end when Pierce Jr. turned down Moccasin Slough Road which is a dead end.
The U-Haul plowed into a wooden fence then crashed into a tree
Deputies say Pierce Jr. jumped out of the vehicle and tried to run away but deputies were able to catch and arrest him.
Michael Allen Pierce Jr. was booked into jail, charged with:
- Flee/Elude with Disregard for Safety
- Criminal Mischief ($1,000 or More)
- Reckless Driving (with Property Damage)
- Resist Officer without Violence
- Driving while License Suspended or Revoked
The sheriff’s office is holding Pierce Jr. without bond.