Tavares, FL – A multi-agency police pursuit Friday afternoon ended in the arrest of a suspect who allegedly rammed a deputy’s patrol car and fled on foot after abandoning a stolen vehicle, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the incident began around 3:39 p.m. on October 10 when a Lake County Criminal Investigations deputy spotted a vehicle that had fled a traffic stop by the Eustis Police Department. Officers located the vehicle on Harris Road, where the driver allegedly reversed toward the deputy’s car and struck it before speeding off toward Highway 441.
Authorities from Tavares and Howey-in-the-Hills Police Departments, along with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s Eagle 1 helicopter, responded to the pursuit. Stop sticks deflated three of the suspect’s tires, but the vehicle continued until entering the Publix Plaza in Tavares, where the driver allegedly fled on foot.
Helicopter crews guided ground units to the suspect’s hiding spot behind a dumpster, where he was taken into custody without further incident. Deputies said the vehicle and tag were confirmed stolen, and the suspect had an active Orange County arrest warrant.
Officials identified the suspect as Fabian Carrasco, who was booked into the Lake County Jail on multiple charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, and driving while license suspended.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
