Chase Results In Injured Bystanders, Three Wrecked Patrol Cars

SPRING HILL - A chase that hit speeds of 100 miles per hour Thursday evening resulted in three crashed patrol cars, injuries to an uninvolved motorist and the suspect's arrest on multiple charges, according to reports from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

Roy T. Reffuse, 27, of Winding Hills Loop in Dade City, is charged with grand theft auto, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and driving with a revoked license, the report states.

Deputy George Loydgren spotted a red Mazda heading west on Cortez Boulevard near Sunshine Grove Road at about 5:45 p.m., according to the report.

The car matched the description of one reported stolen, the report states. Loydgren confirmed it was the same car and tried to pull it over while heading south on Mariner Boulevard near Lola Drive.

Reffuse accelerated, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour and disregarding traffic signals and stop signs, the report states.

After a 15-mile chase through Spring Hill, Reffuse wrecked near the intersection of Sedate Street and Olympic Village Lane in Brooksville, where he was apprehended and arrested, according to the report.

Reffuse was treated at Brooksville Regional Hospital and transported to Hernando County Jail.

Deputy Derik Deso, trying to intercept Reffuse during the chase, slid out of control on a patch of sand while attempting to turn onto Montour Street from Weeping Willow Street. Deso's cruiser entered the westbound lane of Montour and struck a 2000 Lexus SUV driven by Mary Lefevre of Brooksville, according to the report.

Lefevre complained of neck and back injuries; a passenger suffered injuries to his leg, the report states. Both were transported to Brooksville Regional Hospital, treated and released. Deso was not injured.

Also during the chase, both Loydgren and Deputy Christopher Croft lost control at the same T-shaped intersection at Salina and Sorrel streets, the report states.

Loydgren's car went through a section of fence and grazed a tree; Croft's cruiser went airborne and came to rest in a nearby yard, according to the report.

Neither deputy was injured.

Dust kicked up from the lime rock surface of Salina Street by the suspect's car blinded deputies, resulting in both crashes, according to the report.