ST. PETERSBURG — A 34-year-old man was arrested after police say he damaged multiple vehicles, attempted to break into a commercial building, struck a police cruiser with a vehicle, and led officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash on Interstate 275.
Ryan Christopher DeJesus, 34, of St. Petersburg, faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding police at high speed, attempted burglary of an unoccupied structure, and several counts of criminal mischief, along with a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving with property damage.
According to arrest affidavits, the incident began around 6:26 p.m. on March 8 at an apartment complex in the 2790 block of Grand Avenue in St. Petersburg. Investigators said DeJesus used a hammer to damage several vehicles in the area, including a 2017 Toyota Yaris, a 2020 Ford Escape, and a 2022 Audi Q3. Witnesses observed the damage and later identified DeJesus to officers.
Police said DeJesus also attempted to enter a commercial building at 2795 Grand Avenue that was under construction. When he could not open the doors, he allegedly struck the glass entry door with a hammer multiple times, leaving two holes and causing about $5,000 in damage.
While officers attempted to take him into custody, investigators said DeJesus ran to a Tesla and entered the driver’s seat. As Officer Robert Lord began exiting his patrol vehicle, DeJesus allegedly backed the Tesla into the marked cruiser before fleeing through the apartment complex courtyard, where pedestrians were present.
Police later attempted a traffic stop on Ulmerton Road under the Gateway Expressway overpass. According to the affidavits, DeJesus fled the stop, driving into oncoming lanes of traffic and then onto the Gateway Expressway. Officers reported he reached speeds exceeding 100 mph while weaving between vehicles before continuing south onto Interstate 275.
Authorities said the pursuit was eventually terminated due to safety concerns. DeJesus continued southbound on I-275 and crashed into a red Kia Forte just north of the 22nd Avenue North exit ramp.
DeJesus was taken into custody following the incident and booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation was conducted by the St. Petersburg Police Department.