Stolen Car Pursuit Results in Injuries and Arrest
March 23, 2017
At approximately 4:50pm this afternoon, Patrol Officers with the Tallahassee Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Dover Street and Woodward Avenue because the car had a stolen license plate attached to it. The driver of the vehicle fled from the officer’s lawful attempt to stop him and left the area at a high rate of speed. The Leon County Sheriff’s helicopter quickly arrived in the area and was able to monitor the vehicle as it drove to the Southwest side of town. Once on Crawfordville Road, the suspect's vehicle hit an unoccupied Leon County Sheriff SUV and then backed into another car which was occupied by a mother and her 11year old daughter. The 11year old was taken to the hospital for evaluation as a result of that crash.
As the car traveled along near Orange Avenue, it drove onto the bike trail and subsequently toward a TPD officer, who was attempting to clear innocent bystanders from the impending danger. The suspects’ car came so close to striking the officer, that he believed his life was in danger. As the suspect continued, he almost hit a second TPD officer on Center Road near Balkin Road.
At this point, fearing for the public’s safety, TPD officers once again attempted to stop the suspect and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was brought to an end near Orange Avenue and Springhill Road, with one of the marked TPD patrol cars utilizing the Precision Intervention Technique (PIT) to bring the chase to an end. During the PIT maneuver an uninvolved vehicle was also struck with the driver receiving an injury to her leg. The female driver of that vehicle was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The driver of the pursued car immediately fled on foot. TPD’s K-9 unit was able to locate him hiding and after refusing the officers commands, he was tased and taken into custody. As a precaution, the suspect was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Leon County Jail for processing with possible additional pending charges.
As is normal procedure in a crash involving a pursuit and a TPD vehicle, TPD’s Traffic Homicide Unit is assisting the Patrol Division with the investigation and they are processing all known evidence and interviewing witnesses at this time.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash, but did not speak with an officer on scene or anyone with information about the incident, to please call (850) 891-4200 and ask to speak with the Traffic Homicide Unit. They may also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-TIPS.
Suspect Vehicle: Black Lexus
Arrestee: Jerry Mordica, Black Male, DOB: 02/01/69
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