Motorcyclist accused of harming police K9 after chase near FGCU

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — The Lee County Sheriff's Office said a motorcyclist was arrested Thursday evening after leading deputies on a chase that ended with a K9 apprehension.

A deputy said they observed a motorcycle traveling southbound on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, operating erratically while revving its engine. The motorcycle stopped at the intersection of FGCU Lake Parkway West and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, where the deputy noticed the tag was intentionally bent, obscuring visibility in violation of Florida law.

The deputy said that as they attempted to make contact with the driver, later identified as Angelo Acree, he made a sudden U-turn and fled. Acree allegedly drove recklessly at high speeds and disregarded other motorists.

A second traffic stop was attempted near PDQ on Gulf Center Drive. Acree initially appeared to comply, but authorities said he then attempted to weave through traffic and ultimately collided with a red Toyota RAV4.

LCSO said the motorcycle also struck a deputy's patrol vehicle. After the crash, Acree allegedly fled on foot northbound and entered a densely wooded area behind University Plaza Drive.

K9 assistance was requested. Deputies responded and conducted a track through dense vegetation.

During the search, a K9 located Acree, who allegedly resisted by grabbing the K9's head and forcing it toward the ground in an attempt to escape. Acree was arrested and taken to the Lee County Jail.

"This crazy behavior put community members, my family members and one of our K9's at risk," Sheriff Carmine Marceno said. "I am thankful our Patrol Deputies worked together to quickly get this man off of our streets."

Acree was charged with fleeing and eluding, obstruction, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, and touching/striking/harming a police K9.