A neighborhood ride on electric bicycles allegedly turned into a frightening truck chase Sunday evening in Winter Haven, where police say a 49-year-old man tried to run down one of two young riders. The driver was arrested after the teens escaped and one of them contacted police.
The 17-year-old victim and his 12-year-old friend were riding through their neighborhood when they stopped near the entrance of Giorgio Drive and Taverna Loop, according to Tampa Bay 28, citing the Winter Haven Police Department. Police said Conceicao Olisnei Nascimento pulled alongside them in a pickup truck and yelled at the teenagers before getting out to confront them.
The teens biked away, but police said Nascimento got back into the truck and continued following them. When the riders moved onto the sidewalk to get away, investigators said Nascimento drove onto the sidewalk as well, continuing the pursuit.
The 17-year-old eventually spotted a Lakeland police officer and yelled for help. Nascimento pulled near the officer, and the situation de-escalated before the teen made it home and called Winter Haven police, the station reported.
The 12-year-old had taken a picture of the pickup truck, which investigators used to identify Nascimento, according to Tampa Bay 28. Nascimento was booked into the Polk County Jail on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
What The Florida Charge Means
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a third-degree felony under Florida law. The statute defines aggravated assault as an assault involving a deadly weapon without an intent to kill, according to the Florida Legislature.
The arrest reflects an accusation, not a finding of guilt. The available police account does not explain what prompted the confrontation or whether Nascimento knew either teenager, leaving those questions for the case to address.
