Looking for a suspect in a hit-and-run crash, police arrested a 19-year-old driver in a stolen vehicle.
Hector Galarza of Hillsborough County was driving a 2006 Chrysler on March 21 when he allegedly fled from police and tried to ram a patrol car before an officer tackled him in the 100 block of 10th Street South.
Bradenton Beach police arrested him for grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding police, resisting an officer, leaving the scene of an accident and criminal mischief.
According to the BBPD report, Officer Steven Masi located the suspect in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the 1200 block of Gulf Drive South and activated his lights and sirens.
The Chrysler driver accelerated out of traffic and turned onto a deadend, 10th Street South, and Masi followed. The Chrysler driver stopped before hitting Masi’s patrol car head on.
Galarza then fled on foot. Masi gave chase and, with help from other responding officers, apprehended him nearby in a front yard.
Galarza allegedly kicked the patrol car while being placed in the patrol vehicle.
He was released from jail after posting $12,500 bond.
Galarza’s court arraignment is set for at 9 a.m. Friday, April 22, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.