Pasco Deputies Chase Down Pickup Truck Hauling Trailer With Boat

HUDSON, FL – Pasco County deputies have a 45-year-old New Port Richey man in custody after they say he tried to elude them in a pickup truck hauling a boat trailer.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, deputies were called to State Road 52 and Hays Road after a caller complained there was an obstruction in the road.

When deputies arrived, they found that a boat had fallen off the trailer of a 2010 Toyota Tundra that was heading east on SR 52. The Tundra driver, Joseph Painter of 7247 Amber Drive, New Port Richey, was in the process of turning around to retrieve the boat when deputies spotted him.

According to the sheriff’s office, Painter tried to evade deputies by driving west on SR 52, south on Moon Lake Road and south on Ridge Road where Deputy Robert Wilkins caught up with him.

Turning on his lights and sirens, Wilkens tried to pull the pickup over but Painter continued for three more miles before stopping at Little Road and Decubellis Road.

When Wilkins searched Painter’s truck, he discovered a supply of oxycodone that had not been prescribed to Painter. Painter was charged with driving under the influence, fleeing to elude and possession of an illegal drug.

Image via Pasco Sheriff