Unarmed, one legged man escapes cops
JOHN HIGGINSON - Wednesday, May 9, 2007
A man with no arms and one leg escaped a police chase yesterday -- again. Authorities say the driver was Michael Francis Wiley, 40, who overcame three amputations, taught himself to drive with stumps and proceeded to become one of Pasco County's most accomplished traffic violators. His license has been suspended so many times that driving itself has become a felony offence.
A Police officer in New Port Richey, Miami, spotted Wiley in a suspicious vehicle - a blue Ford Explorer - at a convenience store when he went to investigate, the car sped off. The eight minute chase was joined by a second officer but they failed to catch him. Police will seek an arrest warrant for Wiley today; charges could include fleeing to elude and habitually driving with a revoked license.
If it really was Wiley behind the wheel Tuesday - and it is hard to imagine him being confused with another driver - this was not his most spectacular car chase. In 1998, while driving a green Corvette, he led deputies down Interstate 75 at nearly 120 mph. According to court records, Wiley has stolen a car, kicked a state trooper and attacked his wife headfirst. He is awaiting trial on separate drug and illegal-driving charges. He faces up to five years in prison.
Most Ford Explorers have automatic transmissions, though several people say Wiley is perfectly competent with a stick shift. 'He is one of the best drivers I've ever seen in my life,' said Lee Michie, a longtime acquaintance. 'But he's the worst person I've ever met.'
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