Tampa Man Who Bit Off Fingerprints To Avoid Arrest Sentenced

By BRENDAN KRISEL (Patch National Staff)

The Tampa man who bit off his fingerprints in February to escape arrest in Ohio pleaded guilty to charges of escape, tampering with evidence, obstructing official business and resisting arrest on Tuesday. An Ohio judge sentenced him to serve 18 months there before he'll face extradition to Florida, several media outlets have reported.

Kirk Kelly, 24, was arrested in Tallmadge, Ohio, on Feb. 21 during a traffic stop at around 3 a.m., reported Cleveland.com. After telling the police he was from Tampa, but providing fake names, officers contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in an attempt to identify Kelly.

Kelly's arrest total in Hillsborough County can't be counted on one hand. He's served time for burglary, selling drugs, battery, DUI and more, according to sheriff's office records. Kelly — also known as "Cracka Boy" in Hillsborough County — was facing charges in Florida for racketeering, drug trafficking and illegally selling handguns at the time of his arrest, reported Cleveland.com.

The fingerprint chewing part of Kelly's story unfolded in Ohio when an officer tried to use a handheld fingerprint identifier on him, media outlets have reported. Before the device could be used, Kelly reportedly chewed the skin right off his fingertips.

Unfortunately for Kelly, police were able to identify him by just about every other part of his body, including his very distinct tattoos, using photos sent by Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies.

Booking photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office