On 08-25-18 just before 5:30 p.m., Deputy Paul Barreto was traveling westbound on Spring Hill Drive in the area of Noah Avenue, conducting proactive patrol.
During this time, Barreto observed a motorcycle being operated in a reckless manner, with the driver weaving in and out of traffic.
Barreto attempted to catch up with the motorcycle and was able to do so at Spring Hill Drive and the western Horizon Drive. Barreto pulled his marked patrol car alongside the motorcycle, activated his emergency lights, and directed the motorcycle driver to pull over.
The motorcycle driver continued westbound; accelerating in the area of Arbuckle Avenue and Spring Hill Drive. Barreto observed the motorcycle driver to actively be evading law enforcement.
While still traveling westbound in the area of Valiant Avenue and Spring Hill Drive, Barreto realized the motorcycle driver was not going to stop. Before being able to disengage, Barreto observed the motorcycle strike the rear of a Toyota Camry at the intersection of Waterfall Drive and Spring Hill Drive.
Barreto immediately notified the dispatcher to send Hernando County Fire Rescue and additional patrol deputies.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was not injured in the crash
The motorcycle driver was transported to a local trauma center with life-threatening injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to the scene to handle the crash.
All information provided is preliminary, as a crash investigation has not been completed yet.
