Matthew Loudner Tolentino, 23, was arrested before dawn after an alleged crime spree. According to Pasco County law enforcement officials, Tolentino attempted to burglarize a house in the early morning hours. Police, responding to the scene, tried to pull over Tolentino's black Camaro.
Tolentino then tried to strike a police officer with the Camaro, accelerating towards the officer when he was out of the patrol vehicle. The officer jumped out of the way to avoid being hit by the vehicle. Police chased the car through the town of Moon Lake. The driver evaded them "at a high rate of speed."
Eventually, the driver came to a stop at a dead-end. However, Tolentino was not planning to give up yet. He got out of the vehicle and ran from law enforcement, running into the woods behind the residential area where he ditched the Camaro. The Pasco County Sheriff's Office released dogs in the area to search from him, which they did successfully. Tolentino was arrested and taken into custody shortly after his escape into the wooded area.
Tolentino has been charged with a laundry list of crimes as a result of the early morning incident. He was charged by Pasco County prosecutors with driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), reckless driving, and possession of marijuana. He received other traffic citations, as well. It was not clear whether Tolentino would face any additional charges following a comprehensive investigation.
A judge has set bail in his case. Tolentino remains behind bars, however, in lieu of the bond, which is in excess of $120,000. He is being housed at the Land O' Lakes facility.
Tolentino is from Port Richey, or at least, he is a former resident. According to the police report, he told police officers that he is currently homeless.
An example of a high speed chase:
Tolentino then tried to strike a police officer with the Camaro, accelerating towards the officer when he was out of the patrol vehicle. The officer jumped out of the way to avoid being hit by the vehicle. Police chased the car through the town of Moon Lake. The driver evaded them "at a high rate of speed."
Eventually, the driver came to a stop at a dead-end. However, Tolentino was not planning to give up yet. He got out of the vehicle and ran from law enforcement, running into the woods behind the residential area where he ditched the Camaro. The Pasco County Sheriff's Office released dogs in the area to search from him, which they did successfully. Tolentino was arrested and taken into custody shortly after his escape into the wooded area.
Tolentino has been charged with a laundry list of crimes as a result of the early morning incident. He was charged by Pasco County prosecutors with driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), reckless driving, and possession of marijuana. He received other traffic citations, as well. It was not clear whether Tolentino would face any additional charges following a comprehensive investigation.
A judge has set bail in his case. Tolentino remains behind bars, however, in lieu of the bond, which is in excess of $120,000. He is being housed at the Land O' Lakes facility.
Tolentino is from Port Richey, or at least, he is a former resident. According to the police report, he told police officers that he is currently homeless.
An example of a high speed chase:
