Photo by: iontb
Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continue investigating a crash at approximately 12:28 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
While on regular patrol in a marked FHP patrol vehicle, the trooper observed a white motorcycle traveling south on the inside lane of US-19 and State Road 580 (Main Street) without a license plate. The officer attempted to catch up to verify the absence of a license plate. The motorcycle accelerated rapidly and changed lanes to evade the trooper, who then activated his emergency equipment (lights and sirens).
According to the arrest documentation, despite the pursuit, the motorcyclist continued to travel at high speed, exceeding 100 MPH, and changed lanes recklessly. Eventually, the motorcyclist exited US-19 onto Drew St. Approaching a red light at an intersection, the driver refused to stop, entered the intersection without yielding, and collided with an SUV. The motorcyclist fell off the motorcycle and landed in the left turn lane of eastbound Drew Street.
Emergency Medical Services transported the motorcyclist to the trauma center at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. The trooper relayed the motorcycle’s VIN number to dispatch, which returned to a black Yamaha motorcycle with no assigned registration.
The driver, 24-year-old Justin Stefke of Largo, possessed only an ID card, lacked a motorcycle endorsement, and had a suspended license for habitual traffic offenses since March 1, 2023.
At approximately 2:20 p.m., Stefke was arrested, and the charges were communicated to him.
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Source: iontb
