HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A seven-time convicted felon is back behind bars after leading Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies on a dangerous motorcycle pursuit on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The driver, identified as John Nazario, 41, of Brandon, faces multiple charges, including fleeing to elude at high speed.
A passenger on the motorcycle, Samantha Pippin, 37, was also arrested and faces drug-related charges.
The incident began when deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle with no taillights near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Kingsway Road. The driver, later identified as Nazario, refused to comply and fled at a high rate of speed.
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The pursuit continued as the motorcycle was spotted by a second deputy on South Parsons Avenue. Unaware the rider was already fleeing a prior stop, this deputy also attempted to initiate a traffic stop, only for Nazario to again speed away. A third patrol unit encountered the motorcycle on Jess Walden Road, where Nazario once more refused to stop.
In response to the escalating situation, HCSO’s Aviation Unit was called in to provide aerial support. The eye in the sky successfully tracked the fleeing motorcycle, guiding ground units to its location.
Nazario and his passenger, Pippin, eventually abandoned the motorcycle near Old Hillsborough Avenue and attempted to escape on foot. However, their efforts were short-lived. After a brief foot pursuit, deputies, with the assistance of K9 units, apprehended both individuals.
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Upon arrest, Pippin was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, including fentanyl.
Nazario now faces a string of charges: Violation of Parole (Arrest With or Without a Warrant), three counts of Fleeing to Elude Highspeed, Resisting Officer Without Violence, and Driving While License Canceled, Suspended, or Revoked (Second or Subsequent Offense).
Pippin is charged with Resisting Officer Without Violence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Sheriff Chad Chronister commented on the arrest, stating, “This convicted felon chose yet again to disregard the law and put people’s lives in danger. 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.”
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