He was caught when he got out of the SUV and tried to go into an Arby’s restaurant after deputies followed him for several miles, according to the Pinellas Count Sheriff’s Office.

LEALMAN – A St. Petersburg man is accused of stealing an SUV belonging to the Lealman fire department and then evading deputies when they tried to stop him, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Michael James Chick, 31, of St. Petersburg is charged with one count each of burglary to an occupied structure, grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding, unlawful transmission on a police or fire radio frequency, and second offense driving while license is suspended.

Deputies said that about 1:15 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 27), they were called to Lealman Fire Station 18, 4360 55th Ave. N, because of a stolen 2014 Ford Expedition used by a district chief who works for the Lealman Fire District.

Deputies found the SUV near Park Street N and 84th Lane. They tried to stop the SUV, but Chick, who was driving, refused to stop. Deputies tried using low speed techniques, including a stop stick, to catch Chick but he managed to evade them. Pinellas County flight support arrive, which allowed deputies to follow from a safe distance.

Chick appeared to stop several times but then continued to evade them, deputies said. Chick eventually stopped the SUV at an Arby’s restaurant at 6640 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Deputies caught Chick after he got out of the SUV and tried to enter the Arby’s.

No deputies were injured, but there was minor damage to Lealman fire’s SUV.

Pinellas Sheriff | Lealman Fire | Crime | Stolen Fire SUV | Arrests | Tampabay News

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