Inset: Juanniel Luque Cantillo (Pasco County Jail). Background: BMW of Wesley Chapel in Florida (Google Maps).
A Florida man finds himself in legal trouble — all for the pursuit of $60, cops say.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported in a arrest affidavit that a trooper was monitoring traffic on State Road 56 near Shops Lane in Wesley Chapel, about 25 miles northeast of Tampa, when he noticed a black sedan speeding at approximately 85 mph.
The trooper turned to pursue the vehicle, identified as a Toyota Corolla. As the car neared an intersection at a “dangerously high speed,” it executed a sharp right turn, causing the driver to momentarily lose control and fishtail before speeding off again. The driver reportedly increased speed upon seeing the activated emergency lights.
Navigating through traffic, the vehicle was found traveling at 106 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to the report. The driver allegedly ran at least two red lights, demonstrating “wanton disregard for the safety of people and property,” as stated by law enforcement.
The driver eventually turned on his hazard lights, reduced speed, and pulled over into a grassy ditch. The trooper, along with a Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy, drew his weapon and instructed the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Juanniel Luque Cantillo, was apprehended.
Following his Miranda rights, Luque Cantillo explained to police that he was rushing to the Wesley Chapel BMW location because someone had left $60 behind as part of an Instagram “scavenger hunt.” He mentioned following an account where cash is hidden and the first to find it can claim it, as recounted in the affidavit.
The defendant also allegedly said when he saw cops he became “nervous and decided to flee.”
Authorities charged Luque Cantillo with fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle at speeds exceeding 100 mph. He was subsequently booked into Pasco County Jail and has since posted bail.
