Arrest Report: On 03/13/2026, I Trooper Starling Kelley, was parked in the private parking lot of 29200 State Road 52 (Gas Station- Racetrac #2529), when I was approached by the store employee who stated that a dark color Dodge Ram pickup had been doing "doughnuts" the grass section of the property. He pointed out a pickup parked by the gas pump next to my fully marked, agency issued patrol car (FHP3310). The truck pulled out of the parking lot traveling east on State Road 52 and entered the left turn lane. I followed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop in the left turn lane using my lights and sirens. The driver, visually identified as a Hispanic male, made the u-turn looking at my patrol car and accelerated at a high rate of speed in a willful attempt to flee from the traffic stop. I initiated a pursuit at this time. I informed Tampa Bay Regional Communications Center (TBRCC) of the pursuit and direction of travel (westbound SR-52). As we approached the intersection of SR-52 and Old Pasco Road, the driver failed to stop for the steady red and passed traffic in the left turn lane at 109 mph in a posted 45 mph. I paced the vehicle at 129 mph in 55 mph as we approached the intersection of SR-52 and Bellemy Brothers Blvd. Traffic at the while approaching forced the vehicle to slow, due to the drivers disregard for the public safety, high rate of speed, and driving pattern. I conducted a Precision Intervention Technique (PIT) on the left side of the truck. As I made contact with the vehicle, the driver, later identified as HERIBERTO BENITEZ, rapidly slowed the truck, this caused my patrol car to travel along the side of his vehicle coming to a controlled stop on the right grass shoulder of SR-52. The truck after the PIT attempt, came to a stop in the right turn lane of SR-52. Mr. Benitez exited the vehicle with his arms raised and was taken into custody without incident. Mr. Benitez was read his Miranda Warnings and did not invoke. Mr. Benitez stated he fled because he fled from a prior agency who ended the pursuit when he failed to stop. As Mr. Benitez spoke, the strong odor of alcohol came from his mouth region. When asked he stated he had drank 3 beers. I also observed a white powdery substance on his upper lip and nose region. When asked he stated initially it was baby powder but upon further interviews he stated it was cocaine. Residue was retrieved from his mouth region and tested with a field testing kit and tested positive for cocaine. Based on the information provided, my training and experience, I asked Mr. Benitez if he would be willing to conduct some Field Sobriety Exercises, to which he agreed. Mr. Benitez did not preform well and was informed in addition to fleeing he was being charged with Driving Under the Influence. Mr. Benitez was medically cleared on scene and transported to the Pasco County Detention Center. While at the Center he was asked to provide a breath sample. Mr. Benitez complied and the following was recorded. 0.086g/210L 0.079g/210L Mr. Benitez was booked into the Pasco County Detention Center. During processing into the Detention Center, a clear baggie containing a white powder substance was located in or near Mr. Benitez rectum area. Mr. Benitez identified the substance as cocaine. All events took place in Pasco County.