Bradenton Man Steals, Crashes Police Cruiser; struck two other patrol cars

Information from: Tampa Tribune
The Associated Press, July 8, 2003

BRANDON, Florida

A Bradenton man forced his way onto a city bus, then stole and crashed a police cruiser before getting caught, authorities said.

Sean McKell, 30, was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, grand theft auto, aggravated assault on a paramedic, resisting arrest with violence, fleeing and eluding officers, and driving with a suspended license in the Monday chase.

The pursuit began after McKell forced his way onto a bus about 6:45 a.m., the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

When deputies stopped the bus and approached McKell, he ran out the back door, jumped into a patrol car and fled north, spokesman Lt. Rod Reder said.

McKell swerved toward an officer, forcing him to jump out of the way, then struck two patrol cars, Reder said.

Deputies finally boxed him in, but had to smash windows to get McKell out of the car. They also used pepper spray and batons when McKell started kicking and spitting at them, Reder said.

McKell was treated at Tampa General Hospital and released to sheriff's deputies. One officer involved in the scuffle injured his arm.



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