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Tampa driver sheds child, flees from police

By Casey Cora, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, July 9, 2008

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TAMPA — Police on Tuesday were searching for a habitual traffic offender who eluded arrest Monday after a routine traffic stop turned out to be anything but.

It started about 10:40 p.m., when a pair of Tampa police officers pulled over a red 1978 Buick Regal at N Florida and W Amelia avenues for having no tag light. Shelby Pole, 41, exited the driver's side of the Buick clutching his 3-year-old child, telling the officers he was going to place the toddler on a nearby porch, police said.

Instead, he threw the child on the porch, then ran away, Tampa police Lt. William Ferguson said in a written statement. One of the officers chased him through the neighborhood, noting Pole shed his shirt and cap while hopping backyard fences. Police also deployed a canine unit and a helicopter in their search.

Police then spoke with the child's mother, 26-year-old Dana Evans, at her home. That led to a cell phone conversation in which Pole denied ever being in the car, Ferguson said. He refused to meet the officers, and the vehicle, which police said contained an open bottle of alcohol, was impounded.

Pole of 2628 E 31st Ave. has an arrest record in Hillsborough County reflecting various traffic and drug charges.