Man Steals Squad Car, Crashes
7-11-2000
TAMPA -- Shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday, two passers-by saw Daniel E. Lara
banging on the glass of an auto dealership showroom. The witnesses
walked to a convenience store a block away and told two police officers
who happened to be there.
One of the officers saw a suspicious man nearby and jumped out of his
cruiser. He left the door open and the engine running. When the officer was
about 15 feet away, Lara jumped into the cruiser and took off. He sped north
toward Pasco County, ignoring traffic signals and speeding recklessly
through residential neighborhoods and an apartment complex.
Three officers gave chase, including Lt. Robert Guidara. After observing Lara's
dangerous and erratic driving, Guidara decided to bump the stolen car to
stop it before Lara hurt or killed someone. After Guidara struck the cruiser,
it spun around and ended up in the ditch, suffering extensive damage.
Lara was charged with grand theft auto, resisting arrest, aggravated
fleeing and driving with a suspended license.