FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A scooter rider faces multiple felony charges after leading Florida Highway Patrol troopers on a high-speed chase through Fort Myers that ended with the discovery of a stolen handgun.
A state trooper spotted the scooter traveling 59 mph in a 40 mph zone on State Road 82 near Ford Street on Sept. 23 at 10:03 p.m., according to FHP. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop near Ortiz Avenue, the rider accelerated to 65 mph instead of pulling over.
The scooter operator split lanes between other vehicles, ran a red light and blew through a stop sign before fleeing into a neighborhood off West End Court, troopers said.
Troopers found the abandoned scooter and a stolen Ruger handgun on a nearby golf course near Putte Lane and Jordan Avenue at approximately 10:27 p.m. The operator had fled on foot.
Authorities located the suspect shortly after and identified him as Gregory Michael Griffin. Troopers arrested Griffin and booked him into the Lee County Jail.
Griffin faces four felony charges: fleeing to elude, habitual traffic offender, possession of a stolen gun and possession of a firearm during a felony. He also had three outstanding Lee County felony warrants.
Additional charges include reckless driving, no motorcycle endorsement, driving under the influence, DUI refusal and drug paraphernalia.