The man is charged with drunk driving after leading a pursuit of Pinellas County deputies following the shooting, officials said.
PINELLAS COUNTY, Florida (TodayNews) — A man was charged with driving under the influence on Monday after he allegedly led a pursuit of Pinellas County police officers following a shooting on Treasure Island, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Treasure Island Police Department was called around 1:45 p.m. to a location along Gulf Boulevard where a man later identified as Ronald Giovino, 56, from Clearwater fired several shots at the cars, officials said.
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Giovino allegedly dropped his pistol and drove away from the officers. According to the sheriff’s office, Pinellas County police noticed his car and tried to stop him.
Giovino led the race for deputies in Pasadena and St. Petersburg. According to the deputies, he crashed into a road sign, which hit a passing car, and turned off the path of another car.
The chase ended in a PIT maneuver after Giovino allegedly crashed into a car and a vinyl fence along the South Causeway Boulevard, the sheriff’s office said.
Giovino was taken to the hospital and released. The deputy was also treated for minor injuries and released, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to the sheriff’s office, Giovino was charged with aggravated escape, reckless driving with property damage, a felony under the influence, violating probation for driving under the influence, and resisting an officer without using violence.
Giovino is facing other allegations by the Treasure Island Police Department, deputies said.
