Pinellas County man crashes into building after fleeing traffic stop: FHP

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (WFLA) — A Kenneth City man was accused of fleeing a traffic stop and crashing into a building in Pinellas Park early Tuesday morning.

At 2:38 a.m., Florida Highway Patrol trooper was working on a traffic stop along Gandy Boulevard when a white pickup sped past them.

The trooper tried to pull the truck over, but the driver did not stop, according to a FHP arrest report. The chase ended with the driver crashing into a building at Park Boulevard. and 63rd Street North.

According to FHP, the driver, identified as Michael Turner, 37, refused field sobriety tests, but showed signs of impairment.

Turner was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding police, DUI, DUI with property damage, possession of marijuana, and driving with a suspended license. He was also arrested for violating a pre-trial agreement in another case.

He is being held without bond in the Pinellas County Jail.

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