PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) K-9 helped arrest a man who attempted to get away from police during a traffic stop, troopers said.
On Wednesday, a state trooper was patrolling the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Memphis Avenue in Pensacola when a black Infiniti Sedan started traveling above the speed limit with illegally tinted windows, FHP said.
The driver, later identified by authorities as Najee Rich, 25, started "acting suspiciously, trying to conceal himself by lowering his posture and attempting to hide behind the B-pillar in his vehicle."
Rich made a U-Turn and pulled into a driveway on Fairview Avenue. The trooper reportedly followed behind, turned on his emergency lights and then tried to conduct a traffic stop. However, FHP said Rich started to back out of the driveway to try to get away.
The trooper started a "low-speed" maneuver in an attempt to stop Rich, but officials said he was able to drive out of the maneuver and started traveling westbound on Michigan Avenue at more than 100 mph in a 40-mph zone while it was raining.
Eventually, Rich started driving in the wrong direction before losing control of his car, crossing the eastbound lanes and running into a pole, according to troopers.
He then reportedly left the car and tried to run away, but the trooper released K-9 Colt who "maintained the apprehension" as law enforcement officials arrested Rich.
Rich had an active warrant for attempted homicide, robbery, home invasion with a firearm and making a false police report. He received treatment at Baptist Hospital before being taken to Escambia County Jail.
