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Man flees Dade City police, almost hits officer, authorities say

 
Published Aug. 9, 2013

A Lakeland man was arrested Tuesday after authorities say he fled from police in Dade City, almost hit an officer with his car and led others on a chase into Polk County.

Carl Michael Burris, 35, is charged with fleeing to elude, sale of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, resisting an officer without violence and being a habitual traffic offender for driving with a suspended or revoked license, according to reports.

Burris was driving his 2002 blue Saturn sedan near U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue when Dade City Police officers located him. Burris was wanted for burglary charges, Pasco Sheriff's officials told Polk authorities, and he drove away from a Dade City Police officer who stood next to his window.

According to reports, Burris nearly hit and dragged the officer, who had to jump back to avoid the car. Two officers followed the Saturn south on U.S. Highway 98 into Polk County, where a Polk Sheriff's deputy saw him speeding at more than 90 mph, causing cars to pull off the road. The Saturn ran over "stop sticks" that were placed ahead by Polk deputies to puncture the tires, Polk Sheriff's spokeswoman Stephanie Mier said.

Burris turned onto a residential street, jumped out of his car and ran into a home's back yard. Polk deputies caught and arrested him, Mier said.

According to Polk Sheriff's reports, Pasco warrants linked Burris to sale and possession of methamphetamine.

Burris is being held at the Polk County jail in lieu of $40,000 bail.