Armless, one-legged man proves elusive for police in downtown chase
If one were to create of list of things needed to successfully elude the police in a chase, you'd think a full assortment of limbs would be pretty high on the list. Michael Francis Wiley, 40, from Florida would likely beg to differ. Wiley is a three-time amputee who lost both his arms and one leg in an accident when he was 13. Despite that, he taught himself how to drive with stumps and acquaintances report he can even drive stick. Wiley practices a lot, apparently by leading police on chases through populated areas in Pasco County, FL, his most recent being last Tuesday when police approached him and he took off in a blue Ford Explorer. The police gave chase for eight minutes before backing off because bystanders were potentially in danger.
Wiley's license has been suspended so many times for prior traffic violations that even being caught behind the wheel at this point is a felony, which is no doubt what crossed his mind when he took off in his Exlporer. The St. Petersburg Times reports that this particular chase wouldn't make the cut for Most Amazing Police Chases, though in 1998, Wiley did reach speeds in a Corvette of 120 mph in a separate chase. Though Wiley got away this time, the police have likely already issued an arrest warrant and it's only a matter of time before he's brought in, assuming the New Port Richey Police can ever catch him.
The quote of the day comes from Lee Michie, another acquaintance of Wiley's who told the St. Petersburg Times, "He is one of the best drivers I've ever seen in my life. But he's the worst person I've ever met."
Thanks for the tip, BolderX!
[Source: SPtimes.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Will 8:06PM (5/09/2007)
If you have one leg, not to mention one arm as well, you -definitely- know the quickest way around.
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Will 8:07PM (5/09/2007)
well, no arms. but you get the point.
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craig 5:22AM (5/10/2007)
Oh sweet, a local! Funny, I didn't hear of this even though I am in the Tampa Bay area. Oh well...it's still funny as hell. :)
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splitsecond 8:55PM (5/09/2007)
Nice shot of the Montreal po-po!
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aman 9:02PM (5/09/2007)
It's Toronto po-po, you douche-douche.
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Mike Jenkins 9:17PM (5/09/2007)
That's my town for ya.
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bryan 9:55PM (5/09/2007)
argg mattey.. this dude is on me pirate shipp swabbin the poop decks. we searchin 4 that volvo. keep ur hand of me gold deblums.
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epp_b 10:19PM (5/09/2007)
Man, that guy deserves to get away...
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Nic 1:56AM (5/10/2007)
Im live in St Pete I read about this story a couple of times...lol 'catch him if u can'
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Billy 2:26AM (5/10/2007)
In Paris once, I was at this cafe, in the morning, totally hung-over, and this guy with NO arms, not even stumps, was just taking forever to get into a car, he leaned way over (pretty flexible) and pulled a set of keys out of a pocket around knee height, and with his teeth, unlocked the driver's side door, got in, I did not notice what happened inside the car, or how it was set up, but man, he peeled out of there after a LONG time getting set up.
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Nic 6:07AM (5/10/2007)
yeah
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/results.html?QryTxt=Michael+Francis+Wiley
#4
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/1102189451.html?dids=1102189451:1102189451&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+20%2C+2006&author=THOMAS+LAKE&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&edition=&startpage=1.E&desc=FREE+WHEELIN%27
that when I first heard about him I read the article back then, didn't thunk that I would be writing about it now...lol
Nic
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freckles 7:00AM (5/10/2007)
unbelieveable
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freckles 7:00AM (5/10/2007)
... right in my back yard!
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tweezy 12:58PM (5/10/2007)
Is "stumps" really the politically correct term these days? or do they call them something more sensitive? LOL
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Joey 9:52AM (5/10/2007)
I have known Michael and his family since he was an infant the accident he had devastated him and his family. He has never been able to accept what has happened to him, this is why he uses alcohol & drugs to escape the reality of it every day of his life. This has made him a very bitter and angry person personally I can’t imagine what he goes through his mind every time he looks in the mirror, but… god bless him!
Driving is his only release and the only place he feels free.
Sue and George I hope your well.
Enid Cort
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CamelotAkdemie.de 9:17AM (5/10/2007)
hanks and have a nice day.
www.camelotakademie.de
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ken 10:54AM (5/10/2007)
he needs to be loved
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jinsei888 10:29AM (5/10/2007)
he probably drives better than i do...
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benderillo 11:55AM (5/10/2007)
How do you use a clutch with only one leg? I would seriously like to see that.
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joe michaels 3:16PM (5/14/2007)
WOW!!! I'd like to shake this guys hand but...
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