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Highlands Today

Driver of vehicle involved in chase eludes authorities

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: September 9, 2009

SEBRING - Investigators continue their search for the driver of a vehicle who ran from Hardee County law enforcement late Friday night before bailing out of the car at Country Club Estates of Sebring.

"We're not 100 percent sure who the driver is," said Hardee County Sheriff's Maj. Randy Dey.

The 1999 white Chrysler four-door was seen leaving a Hardee County area known for narcotics, at a high rate of speed, Dey said.

A member of the sheriff's office's Drug Task Force tried to pull the vehicle over, but the Chrysler continued on down the road.

Dey said the detective turned off his lights and followed the vehicle, making sure to keep the car in his site. The pursuit continued down State Road 66 into Highlands County, and turned onto County Road 635. Dey said something was thrown outside the car, but the object was not recovered.

Four people may have been inside the car at the time of the pursuit. Dey said it was found unoccupied in Highlands County before local law enforcement took over.

Two of them - Andy Byers, 18, of Zolfo Springs, and Ashley Elizabeth May, 18, of Bowling Green - were both arrested and charged with misdemeanor nonmoving traffic violations, according to Highlands County Sheriff's Office arrest records.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Hardee County Sheriff's Office at (863) 773-0304 and ask for Dey.

Highlands County reporter Gary Pinnell contributed to this report. Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com.

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