Motorcyclist Hits Trooper's Cruiser, Leaves the Scene

A 58-year-old Tampa man faces a host of charges after the Florida Highway Patrol says he struck one of its cruisers Saturday night.

The incident unfolded just before 9 p.m. near the intersection of Hillsborough Avenue and Montague Street. Trooper Thornsberry was stopped, investigating a crash with a road block in the area when a black 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle hit the rear of his marked patrol car. The patrol car had its lights activated, an email to media from the highway patrol stated.

The motorcyclist then fled the scene eastbound on Hillsborough Avenue. He was eventually stopped by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies on Air Cargo Road.

Troopers say the motorcyclist appeared to be impaired and was subsequently tested. He provided a breath sample that revealed a 0.160 blood alcohol level, the email stated.

The motorcyclist, Louis Anthony Paree, was charged with DUI and leaving the scene of a crash. He was also cited for careless driving and no proof of insurance.

Thornsberry was not injured.

Photo: Louis Anthony Paree/Courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol