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FHP arrests driver in Orlando after high-speed pursuit through 3 counties

Anthony Hoyte, 34, accused of fleeing deputies in Polk County

Troopers performed a PIT maneuver on a Florida's Turnpike exit ramp to stop a suspect in a high-speed pursuit through three counties. (Florida Highway Patrol)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol arrested a man in Orlando Tuesday night after a high-speed pursuit through three counties that ended with a PIT maneuver on a Florida Turnpike exit ramp.

Troopers were called just before 11 p.m. Tuesday to help catch a suspect who fled from Polk County sheriff’s deputies in a Mercedes-Benz, according to a news release from FHP.

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The driver, identified as Anthony Hoyte, 34, was spotted heading eastbound on Interstate 4 but fled when troopers tried to stop the vehicle, the release states.

Anthony Hoyte (Florida Highway Patrol)

That led to a pursuit that continued into Osceola and Orange counties, the FHP release said, with speeds above 130 mph.

Troopers say they followed the driver from I-4 onto westbound State Road 408, then onto Florida’s Turnpike heading back to I-4.

That’s when troopers say they performed the PIT maneuver on the exit ramp, a law enforcement tactic where an officer forces a vehicle they are pursuing to turn sideways suddenly, causing the driver to lose control and stop. Video posted by FHP on Instagram shows troopers using the PIT maneuver to stop Hoyte.

Hoyte was taken to the Orange County Jail. He faces charges of fleeing and eluding and reckless driving. He also has a warrant for aggravated assault with a firearm out of Georgia.


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