A Riverview suspect involved in a police chase is in custody and faces a laundry list of felony charges against officers. Deputies were contacted after the defendant, 23-year old Temoi K. Ford, showed up at the mother of his child's home. A restraining order had previously been put into place to keep Ford away from the premises. When the police arrived, the defendant attempted to flee the scene.
He used his vehicle to purposely and repeatedly strike three separate police patrol cars. Ford drove recklessly and ran several stop signs in an effort to escape arrest. Officers eventually stopped the suspect and he now faces very serious felony crimes.
Ford is charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, four counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated stalking, aggravated fleeing to elude and possession of marijuana. The Court has yet to set bail. Ford remains behind bars at the Falkenburg Road Jail.
This incident goes well past an isolated lapse in judgment. Ford faces felony charges ranging from first, second and third degree felonies to a misdemeanor possession charge. The defendant can expect to receive a heavy prison sentence if he is convicted on all counts.
The State interprets the use of the defendant's vehicle as a deadly weapon against the officers on the scene. The attempted murder against a law enforcement officer charge is considered a first degree felony and punishable by up to life in prison. Ford also faces four counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. Florida considers this battery charge a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison for each count.
Aggravated stalking is defined as the willful and malicious following of another when an order of protection is in place. This is a third degree felony crime in the State of Florida. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years behind bars for this charge alone. Ford will spend the rest of his life behind bars if he is convicted on all charges.
I understand that a disruption can very easily turn into a serious crime scene. I am a Tampa criminal defense attorney whose firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience handling violent crimes. Do not risk your future with an attorney who considers you just another number. Contact Musca Law for a comprehensive review of your case.
