Sheriff: St. Pete man steals fire district vehicle, evades deputies

Pinellas County deputies say they had to chase down a man who stole a Lealman Fire District vehicle Saturday afternoon. 

The 2014 Ford Expedition District Chief vehicle was stolen from the Lealman Fire District Station 18, at 4360 55th Avenue North.

Deputies caught up with the vehicle, which they say was being driven by 31-year old Michael James Chick, of St. Petersburg, at Park Street N and 84th Lane.

Chick initially refused to stop even when deputies tried low-speed Interventions including Stop Stick deployment, according to the sheriff's office.

Chick eventually stopped and was arrested at the Arby's restaurant 6640 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

Chick was charged with burglary of an occupied structure, fleeing and eluding, and grand theft auto.

No deputies were injured and there was minor damage to the Lealman Fire District Chief Vehicle.

Chick was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.