FHP deploys GPS tracker during pursuit of suspected DUI driver in Pasco County
By: Nicole Grigg, abcactionnews.com
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol used a GPS tracking system to help another agency during a police chase in Pasco County.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper said in an arrest report that he was helping New Port Richey police during an active pursuit near State Road 52 and Hicks Road.
Authorities were pursuing Kip Thomas of New Port Richey for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
During the pursuit, the trooper said that he determined that it was unsafe to deploy stop sticks to try and stop the vehicle so he used his StarChase system to deploy a GPS tracker.
The maneuver was caught on dash cam video.
The system allowed for law enforcement officers to track Thomas without putting others in danger as they say the suspect at one point entered the wrong lane of traffic and traveled down a center lane at approximately 55 miles-per-hour.
A trooper was eventually able to stop Thomas by deploying stop sticks before he attempted to run away from officials.
Thomas was arrested and faces charges for fleeing police, a suspended license, DUI, possession of methamphetamine and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
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