FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida man is behind bars after deputies say he intentionally rammed a vehicle and a modular home before leading deputies on a chase.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old FernandoJoseph Absalon was arrested after a personal dispute escalated into a violent cash spree on Timothy Lane in Fort Myers.
Investigators say witnesses saw Absalon get into the truck and repeatedly back into a neighboring property, striking both a vehicle and a modular home at least five times. Deputies said the damage appeared to be intentional.
Authorities say Absalon then drove down the roadway and stopped outside a residence where he is currently under an active domestic violence injunction.
See also: Fake warrant phone scam suspect arrested in St. Lucie County, faces fraud and RICO charges
When deputies attempted to make contact, investigators say Absalon sped away through the neighborhood, driving recklessly, hitting a street sign, and nearly crashing into a marked patrol vehicle.
Deputies eventually stopped the truck using a PIT maneuver and took Absalon into custody.
“This suspect turned a personal dispute into a violent and dangerous incident that put innocent people at risk,” said Carmine Marceno. “Fleeing from deputies will only make a bad situation worse. We will find you, we will detain you, and you will be held accountable for your actions.”
Absalon was subsequently booked for counts of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, criminal mischief, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, hit-and-run involving property damage, and multiple counts of violating a domestic violence injunction.