PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — A Pinellas County man is facing several charges after authorities say he led them on a high-speed chase before crashing into a building.
According to an arrest report, a Florida Highway Patrol officer was performing a traffic stop after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday on Gandy Boulevard after a white Ford truck passed them going "well above the posted speed limit."
After the traffic stop began, the trooper says the truck fled the scene again, going at a high speed.
The arrest report explains the driver eventually crashed into a building in the area of Park Boulevard and 63rd Street North in Pinellas Park.
Following the crash, the trooper was able to identify the driver as 37-year-old Michael Turner of Kenneth City.
Upon further investigation, Turner reportedly had a strong order of alcohol, was swaying his body and his eyes were bloodshot. He refused to take a field sobriety test.
The trooper would later discover 63 grams of marijuana inside his truck.
FHP also learned that Turner was driving the vehicle with a license that had been canceled, suspended or revoked. This comes after he was previously charged twice for driving while his license was suspended or revoked.
The arrest reports mention Turner had previous warrants for possession of a firearm and trafficking 200-400 grams of cocaine dating back to April 10.
Turner now faces the following charges:
- Driving under the influence
- DUI involving property damage
- Driving while license suspended or revoked
- Possession of marijuana
