Hit-And-Run Driver Pulled Gun, Witness Did the Same

An accused hit-and-run driver got more than he bargained for Thursday morning when he pulled a gun on a witness who tried to chase him down to record a license plate number.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Michael Daher, 51, of Land O’ Lakes witnessed a crash on U.S. 19 at State Road 52 in the Hudson area. When the driver responsible for the wreck fled the scene, Daher followed the man in hopes of getting his tag number for authorities. The man, however, stopped suddenly on the outside shoulder of U.S. 19, just south of Hudson Avenue, and got out of his truck.

Daher did the same, troopers wrote in an email to media.

When Daher noticed the driver had a semi-automatic pistol in his hand, Daher pulled out his own. The concealed firearms permit-holder then cautioned the man to back off, troopers wrote.

The suspect did indeed back off, got back into his truck and took off.

While Daher wasn’t able to get a full license plate number, troopers say he got a good description of the truck. It is described as a large box/straight truck that is mostly blue in color. It is believed to be a moving truck and may have the word “Moving” on its side.

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The accident that led to Daher being called a “Good Samaritan” by troopers occurred around 3:17 a.m. Thursday along U.S. 19. Troopers say Cuong Phouc Luu, 49, of Tampa was stopped at a red light facing south in the outside turn lane when the northbound truck traveled through the intersection, into the southbound lanes and struck Luu head-on.

Luu, who was not injured, got out of his vehicle and tried to speak with the driver that hit him. When the truck driver found out law enforcement had already been called, he put his truck in reverse and drove away, prompting Daher’s chase, troopers wrote.

The man troopers are now looking for in the hit-and-run is described as a white or Hispanic male between the age of 30 and 40. He stands about 5 feet, 10 inches in height and was last seen wearing a white shirt, jeans and a ball cap. Troopers say he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance at the time of the crash.

Anyone with information about the wreck is asked to call the highway patrol at 813-631-4020.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol

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