New Port Richey, Fla. (970 WFLA)- A New Port Richey police officer was trying to get a grey 2014 Hyundai to pull over after speeding through the area of Arthur Avenue and Madison Street. As soon as the deputy turned on the lights of the patrol car, the driver hit the gas, and took off, with the officer close behind.
During the chase, someone threw a light blue Tampa Bay Rays backpack out the front passenger side window. Police Detective Corbino stopped and picked up the backpack. The chase ended when the driver turned onto a dead-end road.
The driver, 20 year old, Brandon Leissner of Hudson, was taken into custody. One passenger, 21 year old Dylan Stiles, jumped out and ran, but was tackled and cuffed. Two passengers, 18 year old Alyssia Pena of New Port Richey and 19 year old Alexis Crisci of Spring Hill stayed in the car and were taken into custody without incident.
Inside the backpack, officer's found 25 spice packets weighing 1567.40 grams, 9.2 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded smith and Wesson .40 cal. semi-automatic handgun, and $1845.00 cash.
No one in the vehicle cooperated with the investigation. They were all charged with the narcotics and carrying a concealed firearm.
Stiles is listed as an absconder from the Department of Corrections and is a convicted felon. He was also charged with a felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and violation of probation warrants. Leissner was also charged with aggravated fleeing to elude.
Photo credit:New Port Richey Police