Man Crashes Stolen Car After Fleeing from Pinellas Deputies
Posted: September 29, 2015
On September 28, 2015, a 2005 Toyota Camry was reported stolen from Clearwater. A report was filed with the Clearwater Police Department and notification was made to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Pinellas Deputies, utilizing LoJack technology, were able to locate the vehicle and a traffic stop was attempted at approximately 11:26 PM.  The driver of the vehicle refused to stop, fled at high rate of speed, and ran the red light at Seminole Blvd and Park Blvd according to arrest documentation.  In accordance with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office pursuit policy, deputies did not continue to pursue the vehicle.
At approximately 11:32 PM, emergency units were dispatched to reports of a vehicle crash on Gulf Blvd and 21st Avenue in Indian Rocks Beach.  Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas Suncoast Fire Rescue, Largo Fire Rescue and Sunstar Paramedics arrived on-scene.  The vehicle was heavily damaged in the single vehicle crash.  It was determined that the vehicle involved in the crash was the vehicle that fled from deputies just moments earlier.
The sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 45 year-old Michael Pallotta of Clearwater. Pallotta was booked into the Pinellas County Jail this morning and is being held on $10,250 bail. Â He is facing charges of reckless driving, grand theft auto, and fleeing/eluding law enforcement.
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