CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Dashcam video captured an intense chase between law enforcement and a stolen vehicle suspect through three counties.
It starting in Citrus County Sunday just after 9:30 a.m. The Sheriff's Office contacted the Florida Highway Patrol to request assistance in pursuit of a stolen vehicle, a 2007 Ford truck, on State Road 44 west of US 41.
Deputies say the suspect tried to run over two deputies during their pursuit.
Troopers responded and began a pursuit, which then continued south into Hernando County and EB on CR-476.
The driver reportedly pointed a gun at troopers and shot three rounds at them. One bullet hit a trooper's right front windshield.
Video shows the driver traveling recklessly and nearly hitting multiple pedestrians.
The pursuit then continued east into Sumter County where troopers were able to complete a P.I.T. maneuver on the suspect, causing the vehicle to overturn multiple times on the shoulder.
That suspect, identified as 22-year-old Travis Duane Lovett, was not wearing a seat belt, and was ejected out of the vehicle. He was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the crash.
"Incidents like this are always extremely dangerous. We try to use every precaution possible when we respond to these types of incidents," said Citrus County Sheriff Prendergast. "When we have a suspect who is hell-bent on avoiding all contact with law enforcement, their behavior becomes unpredictable and erratic. This is especially true if they are dead set on not being caught, then they will risk their life, the lives of innocent citizens, and the lives of all our law enforcement deputies."
Lovett will be charged with two Counts of Aggravated Assault and one Count Aggravated Flee/Elude Law Enforcement for his crime spree in Citrus County.
