Thursday, May 10, 2007

He's An Excellent Driver

Authorities say Michael Wiley, 40, was behind the wheel of a car which evaded police in St. Petersburg after an 8 minute chase.

Wiley overcame three amputations, taught himself to drive with stumps and proceeded to become one of Pasco County's most accomplished traffic violators.

His license has been suspended so many times that driving itself has become a felony.

About 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, a police officer spotted Wiley in a suspicious vehicle - a blue Ford Explorer - at a convenience store. When the officer went to investigate, the Explorer took off.

About 1 p.m., the officers broke off the chase because it could have put others in danger.

In 1998, while driving a green Corvette, Wiley led deputies down Interstate 75 at nearly 120 mph.

According to court records, Wiley has stolen a car, kicked a state trooper and attacked his wife headfirst. He is awaiting trial on separate drug and illegal-driving charges. He faces up to five years in prison.

Most Ford Explorers have automatic transmissions, though several people say Wiley is perfectly competent with a stick shift.

"He is one of the best drivers I've ever seen in my life," said Lee Michie, a longtime acquaintance. "But he's the worst person I've ever met."

excellent driver

This reminded me of the time The Concierge and I saw a tabloid headline "Armless Man and Legless Buddy Go Tandem on Bike Trip." And it had a photograph.

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