Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

Lealman Fire District (Station 18)
4360 55th Avenue North, St Petersburg.

Michael James Chick (Driver- Arrested)
DOB: 08/06/1986
4150 66^th Street North, St. Petersburg
Charges: Chick was arrested and charged with one count of Burglary to an Occupied Structure, Fleeing and Eluding, and Grand Theft Auto.

What:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest a man after he Stole a Lealman Fire District chief vehicle and evaded deputies, before being taken into custody.

When:
The incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

Where:
The theft occurred at the, Lealman Fire District (Station 18),located 4360 55th Avenue North, St Petersburg.

Deputies stopped the vehicle and arrested the subject at the Arby's restaurant 6640 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

Why/How:  

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest a man after he stole a Lealman Fire District chief vehicle and evaded deputies, before being taken into custody.

Deputies say they were dispatched to Lealman Fire District Station 18, located at 4150 66^th Street North, St. Petersburg in reference to a report of a stolen 2014 Ford Expedition District Chief vehicle.  Deputies located the vehicle in the area of Park Street North and 84^th Lane where they attempted to stop the District Chief vehicle driven by 31-year old Michael James Chick, who initially refused to stop for deputies. Deputies say they attempted low speed Interventions including Stop Stick deployment and were unsuccessful because of Chicks evasive actions. Deputies say Pinellas County flight support arrived and deputies were able to follow from a safe distance.

Deputies say Chick appeared to stop several times but then continued to evade deputies. The District Chief vehicle driven by Chick eventually came to stop at the Arby’s restaurant 6640 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Deputies say they conducted a traffic stop and placed Chick into custody after he exited the District Chief vehicle and attempted to enter the Arby’s restaurant on foot.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

Chick was arrested and charged with one count of Burglary to an Occupied Structure, Fleeing and Eluding, and Grand Theft Auto.

There was minor damage to the Lealman Fire District Chief Vehicle.

Chick was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

The investigation continues.