New Port Richey Man Remains In Jail Following Foiled Carjacking Of Semi Truck On I-75

TAMPA, FL — A New Port Richey man is behind bars after being accused of trying to carjack a semi-tractor truck and attacking the driver on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County, near the Manatee County line.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, around 9:45 p.m. Dale Patrick Ferris, 43, of Compass Court was driving a GMC Sierra south on I-75 when he inexplicably turned off the truck's headlights and stopped in the travel lane, causing a 2019 Subaru SUV driven by a 33-year-old Wellington woman to hit the Sierra.

Troopers said Ferris got out of the truck and walked in front of a Hyundai SUV driven by a 42-year-old woman from Cape Coral, who stopped to avoid hitting Ferris.

Ferris then took out a handgun and climbed on the hood of the Hyundai. The Cape Coral woman was able to drive away after Ferris became distracted by another vehicle.

When a 62-year-old semi-truck driver from North Fort Myers pulled over to help, troopers said Ferris forced his way into the cab of the semi truck and attempted to steal it but “failed when he was unable to place the vehicle in gear or release the air brakes."

Ferris then attacked the truck driver and a 34-year-old South Dakota man who tried to intervene, kicking the men in the face and chest.

Hillsborough and Manatee sheriff's deputies arrived and took Ferris into custody until the highway patrol arrived to make the arrest.

Ferris was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carjacking with a firearm, carjacking, improper exhibition of a firearm and discharging a firearm in public.

Troopers also recovered Ferris' gun and several spent shell casings, but discovered that Ferris only fired at the surface of the highway.

Ferris remains in custody at the Hillsborough County Jail.