The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a seven-time convicted felon after fleeing from a traffic stop.
On May 7, 2025, deputies attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle with no tail lights near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Kingsway Road. The driver fled the stop at a high rate of speed.
The motorcycle continued southbound until it was spotted by another deputy on South Parsons Avenue. At that point, the deputy, unaware the rider was fleeing an earlier stop, attempted to pull the motorcycle over once again. The rider fled a second time.
The suspect continued westbound on Jess Walden Road, where he passed a third patrol unit. Once again, the rider refused to stop.
HCSO's Aviation Unit responded and provided aerial support, guiding ground units to the suspects’ location.
The rider and a passenger abandoned the motorcycle near Old Hillsborough Avenue and attempted to flee on foot.
After a brief foot pursuit, deputies and K9 units successfully arrested both individuals. The driver was identified as John Nazario, 41, a seven-time convicted felon. The passenger, Samantha Pippin, 37, was found in possession of drug paraphernalia including fentanyl. She was also taken into custody.
Pippin is facing the following charges:
- Resisting Officer Without Violence
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Controlled Substance
Nazario is facing the following charges:
- Violation of Parole (Arrest With or Without a Warrant)
- Fleeing to Elude Highspeed x3
- Resisting Officer Without Violence
- Driving While License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked (Second or Subsequent Offense)
"This convicted felon chose yet again to disregard the law and put people’s lives in danger," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "If you make the choice to be reckless and endanger lives in this community, know this: we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will make sure you face the consequences of your actions."
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
