A paraplegic suspect isn't letting his disability slow down his ambitions. Unfortunately, he's allegedly put his efforts into endeavors of an illegal nature.
According to police, suspect Shamal Battice traded his wheelchair for another, much faster set of wheels Wednesday when he stole a car from an Ocala, Fla. car dealership.
A salesman at the Ford dealership says Battice showed interest in a 2009 Pontiac G6. Battice then asked if he could sit in the driver's seat to get a better feel for the car.
That's when Battice allegedly locked the doors, turned on the ignition and used his folding cane to press on the gas and sped off.
The 28-year-old then reportedly led authorities on a three-county chase throughout north central Florida.
Ocala.com reports that after initially giving up their chase out of safety concerns, deputies finally spotted Battice at a gas station trying to fill up the car and arrested him.
Salesman Anselmo “Chico” Barreto said he was stunned when Battice took off, "It was unbelievable, only in the movies,” said Barreto.
Battice is facing charges of driving with a suspended or revoked license. He also faces a possible charge of grand theft auto.
