- Neal Troiano fled from Cedar Key police during a trespassing investigation, leading multiple agencies on a pursuit into Alachua County before crashing in Archer.
- Troiano was arrested on charges including driving with a suspended license, obstruction, reckless driving, and fleeing law enforcement after the crash.
A driver accused of fleeing Cedar Key police during a trespassing investigation led multiple agencies on a Monday pursuit into Alachua County before crashing in Archer and being taken into custody.
According to a Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) release sent Tuesday, Cedar Key police attempted to stop a black Toyota truck on Monday during a trespassing investigation after identifying the driver as 38-year-old Neal Troiano. Troiano allegedly refused to stop and fled from Cedar Key into Levy County.
Cedar Key police requested assistance from LCSO. Levy County deputies deployed tire-deflation devices, commonly known as spike strips, in an attempt to safely stop the vehicle.
Levy County deputies notified the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), which assumed the lead in the pursuit. An FHP trooper observed Troiano and, after activating the patrol vehicle’s emergency equipment, Troiano allegedly attempted to strike the trooper head-on.
Troiano continued north on State Road 24 and was observed forcing motorists off the roadway, according to the LCSO. He continued through the intersection of State Road 24 and U.S. 27 toward Archer.
The LCSO Communications Center notified the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and requested assistance as the pursuit continued.
FHP troopers pursued Troiano into Alachua County. Troopers stopped the pursuit near the intersection of SW 158th Street and State Road 24 after Troiano crashed and the vehicle overturned in Archer.
Troiano was taken into custody after being medically cleared. According to the Alachua County Jail website, he was arrested on multiple charges that included driving with a suspended or revoked license, obstruction without violence, reckless driving first offense and fleeing or eluding law enforcement.