Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/185868
Sarasota News Leader October 4, 2013 Page 80 MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING MULTI-CAR CRASH AND ATTEMPT TO FLEE The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Wauchula man who fled the scene of a multi-car crash in Venice on Friday night, Sept. 27, the office has announced. Around 6:45 p.m., Christopher Delatorre, 38, was driving north on U.S. 41 "and weaving in and out of traffic when he crashed into two other vehicles in front of Cramer Honda," a news release says. As Delatorre fled on foot, witnesses chased him until he ran into the woods near the bowling alley, the release continues. While deputies were setting up a perimeter, the release adds, a motorist told them a suspicious looking man had just run into the nearby Walgreens and asked the motorist for a ride. Witnesses at Walgreens said the man went into the bathroom to try on a white shirt, the release says. Deputies located Delatorre and ordered him to put his hands behind his back. "He complied, but as deputies approached, he spun around, punched the sergeant in the chin and ran out of the store," the release notes. "Delatorre tried to enter two locked patrol cars and continued running. Deputies captured him in the median at Center Road," the release says. "Delatorre, who has a significant arrest history" outside Sarasota County, including being sent to prison twice, was charged with Hit and Run, Driving with a Suspended License, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, two counts of Attempted Vehicle Theft, two counts of Obstruction by Disguise and Petit Theft, the release says. An administrative hold was placed on him for an outstanding warrant for meth in Hardee County, it adds. A diagram in a Florida Highway Patrol report shows details from a multi-car crash in Venice on Sept. 27. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Christopher Delatorre/Contributed photo