Bradenton man jumps over bridge to avoid arrest, nabbed by K9, deputies say

BRADENTON, Fla. (FOX 13) - A Bradenton man -- wanted on felony warrants -- attempted to flee from deputies by starting a highway chase, jumping over a bridge and hiding from a K9, that eventually bit him, officials said. 

Before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, 29-year-old Thomas Grieco was spotted at the Circle K gas station at 3300 State Road 70 East. A Manatee County deputy attempted a traffic stop, but officials said he fled. A pursuit started from SR-70, and the suspect’s vehicle struck stop sticks that were deployed at Honore Avenue and University Parkway.

Sparks were flying from Grieco’s vehicle tires, but he continued driving and entered the southbound lanes of Interstate 75, where deputies shut off their emergency lights. They continued following from a “safe distance away,” according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

However, an aviation unit continued monitoring Grieco’s vehicle by air. Footage from the sheriff’s office helicopter showed Greico eventually stop his vehicle, exit, jump over a bridge and into a wooded area. Greico was seen running across the southbound lanes of I-75 and into a pasture. 

He was seen hiding in a grassy area, with K9 Loki close behind. Loki eventually nabbed him. The sheriff’s office shared the aviation video on the agency’s Facebook page writing, “Some criminals prefer getting arrested the hard way! This guy with felony warrants leads deputies on a chase, jumps off a bridge, gets to know K9 Loki - then goes to jail. Don't be like this guy!”