Two Tampa men were just charged with fleeing to elude following a vessel stop that happened over the summer by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).<\/p>\n
The FWC says on Oct. 30, officers served arrest warrants for Michell Herrera, 25, and Richer Carmenate, 23.<\/p>\n
Investigators say Herrera and Carmenate face multiple charges, including resisting without violence, interference of an FWC officer, violation of a slow speed zone, improper display of a registration number, operating a vessel with an expired registration and failure to change address on driver’s license.<\/p>\n
The incident that led to Herrera and Carmenate being charged happened on July 12, when an officer was called because three jet skis were operating in a posted slow-speed zone in Hillsborough County. Upon arriving, the officer saw two jet skis matching the description, according to an arrest affidavit, the FWC said.<\/p>\n
The officer at the scene reportedly announced several times to Herrera and Carmenate who he was, the FWC said. He also told them to come to his location to address the violations. Instead, investigators say Herrera and Carmenate fled the area through the slow speed zone at a high rate of speed.<\/p>\n
Both men from Tampa were identified through witness statements, surveillance video and cell phone data, the FWC said. An investigation unfolded, leading to Herrera’s and Carmenate’s arrest. Also, one jet ski was seized, FWC said.<\/p>\n
“Fleeing from law enforcement is not just an attempt to escape arrest, it is a reckless decision that endangers the boating public,” Pinellas County Area Supervisor Capt. Mathew Dallarosa said. “Our waterways are meant to be a safe place for recreation, not an escape route from accountability. The FWC will always work to find those who threaten safety on the water and hold them accountable for their actions.”\u202f<\/p>\n