BIG PINE KEY, Fla. – A man is accused of stealing a truck from Key West and fleeing after crashing into two other vehicles has been arrested, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said.
Troy Curtis, 38, is accused of stealing a 2004 Ford F-150, and was reported as a reckless driver at 3:20 p.m. as he traveled at a high rate of speed through Big Coppitt Key. Deputies said as the caller was reporting Curtis' driving, the Key West Police Department was also notifying sheriff's dispatchers that deputies should be on the lookout for the stolen truck.
Sgt. Linda Mixon attempted to stop the truck at the 27 mile marker of the highway, but Curtis refused to stop, deputies said. He struck another vehicle on Big Pine Key and came to a stop, and fled on foot.
Deputies said a search of the area ensued with the assistance of Sheriff Rick Ramsay, sheriff's deputies and detectives, and Fish and Wildlife officers. Curtis was found swimming in the water near the Spanish Harbor boat ramp and was taken into custody.
Curtis was booked into the Monroe County Detention Center, where he faces numerous charges including reckless driving, fleeing from police and driving with his license suspended -- habitual offender, deputies said. More charges are pending.
The Sheriff's Office said Key West police are investigating the vehicle theft and the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the vehicle crash.