Man refused challenge to race at red light gets run over, put into coma, authorities say

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - A New Port Richey man who said “no” to a racing challenge at a red light is fighting for his life after the rejected challenger drove over his head, according to a sheriff’s office report.

Recently recovering from part of his skull being surgically removed, the victim is still unclear about what happened that day.

The incident happened on February 5, the night of the Super Bowl as Thomas Flanigan and his girlfriend, Melissa MacArthur, were returning to their Beacon Hill home.

A white Ford Expedition with big rims and aftermarket lights pulled up next to the couple with three white men and the driver asked Flanigan to race.

Flanigan refused, but the Ford Expedition ended up following the couple home.

A family member said when the couple got home, Flanigan’s girlfriend walked toward their home as Flanigan locked up the car.

In those few short moments, a confrontation occurred and Flanigan was hit with the white Ford Expedition.

It was just so fast, just like in a matter of I don't know, maybe 30 seconds that i was in the house, if that, that it all happened," MacArthur said.

Flanigan was taken to the hospital. A quarter of his skull was removed and he has just begun to come out of a coma, but he hasn’t been able to tell authorities anything about that night.  

"He opened up his eyes, which is good. He's moving around. I was talking to him. he opened up his eyes and kind of looked around a little bit. I'm not sure if he knew that I was there and was talking to him but i think he might know.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help to track down the suspect,” the victim’s girlfriend said.

The sheriff’s office is asking that the public come forward with any information. And the victim’s mother is also making her own plea.

"I hope somebody does come forward because i would like for them to think of their own child no matter how old they are of being in this situation and somebody seeing it and somebody being able to give some kind of information."

If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 844-7711.