Wesley Chapel man arrested after 150 mph motorcycle chase across counties: FHP

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol

Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested a 19-year-old Wesley Chapel man after a high-speed motorcycle chase that began in Tampa and ended in St. Petersburg late Saturday night.

The backstory:

According to FHP, an aviation unit spotted several motorcyclists riding recklessly and racing along Westshore Boulevard in Tampa shortly after 10:30 p.m. The group continued across the Gandy Bridge, where a trooper tried to pull over one of the riders.

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol

Troopers say the motorcyclist fled, leading troopers on a pursuit along 4th Street and southbound Interstate 275 at speeds of approximately 150 mph. 

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The rider eventually got off the interstate in St. Pete and ditched his motorcycle near Carillon Parkway, according to investigators.

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol

FHP says the rider, later identified as Michael Fiallo, 19, ran into a nearby parking garage. Fiallo was taken into custody while donning a jacket with the words "don’t get caught" on the back.

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol

What's next:

Fiallo was indeed caught, and he faces charges of fleeing and eluding, reckless driving and riding without a motorcycle endorsement. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail, according to FHP.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Florida Highway Patrol.

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