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Published on Wednesday, April 28, 2004
in the Tallahassee Democrat (4-28-04)
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper escaped serious injuries Thursday when a motorist struck him in an attempt to flee from a traffic stop.
Trooper William Dyer fired several shots into a car driven by Theron Sapp, who was eventually caught by several law-enforcement officers. The incident began around 10 a.m. when Trooper Timothy Roufs was making a traffic stop on a car driven by Sapp at Old Bainbridge and Camden roads, according to an FHP release.
After the stop, Sapp reportedly sped away from the scene and onto Flagstone Court, where he drove through several private yards. When residents called in the suspicious activity of the vehicle, Roufs and Dyer attempted to block the roadway using their cars. As the two officers approached the driveway at 5075 Flagstone Court, Sapp accelerated his vehicle with his car pointed at Dyer.
After Dyer was struck, he rolled over the hood of the parked patrol car and fired shots into Sapp's car. Sapp then drove to Tower Road, where he got out of his car and started running away. He was finally caught by several law-enforcement officers. Sapp, 31, of Havana was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding and habitual traffic violations. Dyer suffered minor injuries in the incident.