News

Florida man accused of trying to steal a medical helicopter

Editorial Team2 min readUpdated
NewsFlorida man accused of trying to steal a medical helicopter

A Florida man accused of trying to steal a medical helicopter after crashing his truck on I-75 near Tampa is facing charges after a chaotic highway scene that already had enough problems without someone allegedly making a run for the aircraft.

What authorities say happened on I-75

Riley Ferrer, 28, was driving his truck on Interstate 75 near Tampa, Florida, when authorities say he veered off the road and struck another vehicle. The impact sent that vehicle flipping into the woods beside the highway.

Two people inside were seriously injured, prompting emergency crews to call in a BayFlight medical helicopter. The highway was closed so the aircraft could land and the injured occupants could be loaded for transport.

According to reports, once the crash victims were strapped into the helicopter, Ferrer allegedly rushed past first responders and tried to take off in it. That attempt did not get very far, which is generally what happens when emergency crews are standing right there and the vehicle in question is a helicopter.

Ferrer reportedly mentioned the antichrist

Fox 13 News reported that Ferrer told law enforcement he had seen the antichrist in the moments before the crash.

Most read

  1. Travis Barker Plane Crash Changed Every Tourundefined
  2. A Real Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza Opens in 2027undefined
  3. GTA 6 Date Holds as Netflix Gets First Lookundefined

He was taken to Tampa General Hospital after the incident, but authorities said he had to be physically escorted inside. He also had to be forced to remain seated while there. After he was medically cleared, Ferrer was transferred to the Hernando County Detention Center.

Officials said he continued to resist officers after arriving at the jail.

What charges has he been given?

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said Ferrer has been charged with:

  • Three counts of resisting officers without violent obstruction
  • One count of burglary

The case began as a serious crash that injured two people and brought a medical helicopter onto a closed highway. It then became something stranger, with Ferrer accused of trying to flee in the same aircraft meant to carry the injured away.

Authorities have not reported that Ferrer successfully entered or operated the helicopter. The two injured crash victims were the reason BayFlight had been called to the scene in the first place.

About The Hook Editorial Team

Editorial Team

The Hook Editorial Team delivers daily news reporting and analysis.