On December 16th at 9:59 AM, FHP Troopers located a stolen 2010 Hyundai Accent traveling eastbound on SR-400 near US-27. Following an attempted traffic stop the driver, Raul Mata, 28, of Seffner, failed to stop and fled from the Troopers.
Mata continued to Champions Gate Boulevard where he exited the interstate, reversed course and began to travel westbound on SR-400. Mata continued westbound during which time Troopers attempted a rolling roadblock which was unsuccessful as Mata attempted to ram the Troopers.
The pursuit continued until Mata exited at SR-33, traveled southbound, and collided with another motorist at the intersection of Memorial Boulevard. Mata then fled the scene of the crash and began traveling westbound on Memorial Boulevard where Troopers performed a PIT maneuver near Marion Avenue and ended the pursuit.
Mata was arrested and charged with Aggravated Fleeing & Eluding, Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Driving without a License.