Fort Lauderdale man accused of leading deputies on chase

Thomas Lee Dove

A Fort Lauderdale man is behind bars, accused of leading Collier County sheriff's deputies on a chase through the streets of Immokalee in a stolen car.

Thomas Lee Dove, 46, is facing charges of fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, grand theft auto and driving with a suspended license.

Just before 1 a.m. Monday, deputies observed a gold Honda four-door car near North First Street and West Main Street in Immokalee. The car had been reported stolen, according to arrest reports. A deputy conducted a traffic stop, but instead of turning the car off as he was instructed, reports say Dove flicked a cigarette out the window and sped off.

Deputies chased Dove through the streets of Immokalee at speeds of up to about 50 mph. At one point Dove struck a patrol car that was attempting to contain him, reports said. Eventually, deputies laid stop sticks across the road, which Dove struck. He then slowed to a stop and was arrested.

Dove was also arrested on warrants out of Sarasota for violation of probation, burglary and credit card fraud.