TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida man allegedly turned a late-night drive into a dangerous high-speed chase after state troopers spotted him traveling at 91 mph on Interstate 75 in the Tampa area, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit.
The incident began around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, when Florida Highway Patrol troopers reportedly noticed Johnathan Porubcan, 38, driving a Ford F-150 at a high rate of speed.
Troopers attempted to pull him over, but authorities say Porubcan refused to stop. Instead, the pursuit continued as he allegedly exited the interstate and accelerated to speeds of up to 100 mph.
According to the affidavit, Porubcan allegedly ran several red lights while continuing to evade pursuing troopers. The situation became even more dangerous when authorities say he began driving the wrong way down the road.
Passenger Allegedly Begged Him to Stop
As the pursuit continued, a passenger inside the truck allegedly became frightened and repeatedly asked Porubcan to stop and let her out. According to the affidavit, the passenger begged Porubcan to pull over, but he allegedly refused to do so.
Instead, he reportedly told her, “I got this.” Authorities later charged Porubcan with false imprisonment in connection with the incident. The pursuit continued south along U.S. 41, where police say the truck became involved in a collision.
Truck Sideswipes Another Vehicle During Chase
Troopers say Porubcan sideswiped another vehicle while fleeing from police. Video released by troopers reportedly captured the moment the truck struck the other vehicle as the pursuit continued.
Officers attempted to stop Porubcan using PIT maneuvers on two occasions, but both attempts were unsuccessful. At one point, authorities allege Porubcan tried to ram a police cruiser, escalating the danger for officers and other drivers on the road.
The pursuit finally came to an end when the Ford F-150 crashed into a ditch. According to police, the truck had sustained enough damage that Porubcan could no longer make a turn.
Suspect Allegedly Runs From Crashed Truck
After the crash, Porubcan allegedly got out of the truck and ran from the scene. Troopers searched the surrounding area and reportedly found him hiding in nearby grass.
He was taken into custody following the search.
Authorities say they suspected Porubcan was intoxicated when they encountered him. The affidavit reportedly notes that he was sweating heavily and had vomited.
Porubcan allegedly told troopers that he had consumed three shots of whiskey mixed with Coke and had smoked marijuana earlier in the day.
Suspect Refuses Sobriety Test and Blood Sample
Following the crash, Porubcan complained of rib and wrist pain, prompting police to take him to a hospital. Troopers attempted to administer a field sobriety test, but authorities say Porubcan refused to cooperate.
According to the affidavit, he would not open his eyes or stand up during the attempted test.
“My f—ing ribs are broken, I’m not sitting up,” he allegedly told police.
Authorities also say Porubcan refused to provide a blood sample. When a trooper questioned him about the refusal, he allegedly responded, “F— you. Why would I give you s—?”
The allegations remain part of the criminal case, and a court will determine the outcome.
Florida Man Faces Multiple Charges
Porubcan faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and false imprisonment following the pursuit. He remains in the Hillsborough County Jail without bond, according to the information provided by authorities.
His next court date was not listed.
The investigation centers on the alleged high-speed pursuit, the crash involving another vehicle, the reported attempt to ram a police cruiser and the passenger’s claim that she wanted to be let out of the truck.
What do you think about this high-speed pursuit and the passenger’s alleged pleas to stop? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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