Freedom Eludes Speeding Suspect

Sat., Aug. 26, 2000

Sheriff’s deputies chased a vehicle that was driving down Sprague Avenue without headlights Monday night.

Shortly before midnight Monday, a deputy began following the grey 1984 Buick Regal. The deputy tried to stop the Buick, but the car sped away, according to the Sheriff’s Office report.

The car continued driving in a circle around residential streets north of University City Shopping Center at speeds estimated between 50 and 65 miles per hour. The speed limit in that area is 25 mph.

The deputy reported that the car ran also between 7 and 10 stop signs.

After the Buick hit a tree in the 300 block of North Union Road, the driver jumped out of the car and ran from the scene.

A short time later, deputies arrested Traivon C. Asterino. He was charged with felony eluding an officer. Additional charges for driving with a revoked license, hit and run property damage and drunk driving are pending, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cpl. David Reagan.

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