Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister spoke about the arrests of four suspects who fled from deputies on I-75 on October 19, 2026, and a crash later at the scene involving an HCSO corporal.
On October 19, 2026, at 10:05 p.m., deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to maintain its lane on Gibsonton Drive near I-75. The driver failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed.
Covert deputies maintained visual contact with the vehicle as it traveled through multiple roadways in Hillsborough County. HCSO's Aviation Unit responded to assist in tracking the vehicle.
Aviation captured the vehicle entering the outside of a guardrail and continuing into a construction zone. Shortly after, the vehicle crashed into an embankment near I-75 and North U.S. Highway 301. Deputies detained the driver, Leo Gradley III, 29, and the passenger, Angel Pribble, 27, a short distance from the crash scene. The other two passengers, Jasmine Likely, 36, and Andrew Hopson, 33, were detained at the crash scene.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Gradley's driver's license had been revoked since July 18, 2024, following a previous charge of fleeing to elude law enforcement in Manatee County. Deputies also found a bag of crushed Diazepam pills in the vehicle.
"Fleeing from law enforcement puts every driver on the road at risk, and this suspect had already lost his license for doing exactly that," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to our deputies and Aviation Unit, all four suspects are now being held accountable. If you run from our deputies, we will find you."
All four suspects were arrested and face the following charges:
Leo Gradley III, 29:
- Fleeing and Attempting to Elude a Police Officer
- Driving With License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash With Property Damage
- Resisting Officer Without Violence
- Trespass on a Construction Site
Angel Pribble, 27:
- Trespass on a Construction Site
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Resisting Officer Without Violence
Jasmine Likely, 36:
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Trespass on a Construction Site
Andrew Hopson, 33:
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Trespass on a Construction Site
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
During the incident, HCSO Corporal Niomi Bruce, 30, who was seated in her assigned patrol vehicle, with its emergency lights on, was struck from behind by another vehicle traveling northbound on I-75.
Corporal Bruce was transported to Tampa General Hospital and was released on October 20, 2026.
"We are incredibly thankful she's back home with her family, because we know this could have been so much worse," said Sheriff Chronister. "Florida's Move Over law exists to protect the men and women who keep our roads safe, and it only takes a moment to follow it. When you see flashing lights, slow down and move over. It could save a life."
Florida Highway Patrol responded to investigate the crash involving the HCSO vehicle. The driver was cited for careless driving.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the Public Affairs Office will provide any updates.
