The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Sarasota man Thursday after he stole a vehicle, struck a patrol car and crashed while fleeing.

 

Deputies initially responded to the 3100 block of Clark Road in Sarasota just after 5:30 p.m. for a report of a stolen vehicle. According to the victim, his car was stolen when he left the engine running to go inside a convenience store. Deputies quickly located the stolen sedan travelling eastbound on Clark Road near Rosin Way, turning into a car dealership. As deputies initiated a traffic stop, the suspect rammed into a patrol car and fled westbound on Clark Road. While turning south onto Sawyer Loop Road, the vehicle lost control and crashed into a nearby ditch. Deputies made contact with the suspect, Steven Foley, DOB 10/18/65, and learned his license was suspended indefinitely in 2010. Foley was transported to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The deputy involved was not injured.

 

Foley, of 1400 10th Street, is charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Fleeing to Elude with Disregard for Safety, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended. He remains in custody without bond. Foley has prior arrests for Fleeing to Elude, Burglary, Theft, Fraud and Forgery.