Port st. Lucie car thief crashed stolen vehicle during police pursuit, crawled out, got tased

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – On November 24, 2020, Joseph Miller was arrested after he was seen burglarizing a vehicle that did not belong to him. When Police contacted Miller, he stated, it was his girlfriend’s vehicle, and that she left something for him. The homeowner of the residence came outside and stated she did not know who Miller was and that she had no daughters.

When Officers asked Miller to exit his vehicle, he immediately slammed the door and sped towards a Port St Lucie Police Officer causing him to jump out of the way from being hit. A PSLPD Motor Unit heard what was happening and responded to the area. After spotting the vehicle, he made a U-turn to pull the vehicle over. Miller then drove in the opposite lane directly at the Officer on the Motorcycle. The Officer, in fear of his life, thinking he was going to get hit by Miller’s vehicle, swerved into a nearby swale to avoid a collision.

Port St Lucie Police Officers were able to see Miller strike another vehicle causing his vehicle to overturn. Still, Miller attempted to crawl out of the vehicle and into the woods. Officers were able to gain control of Miller utilizing their Tasers.

Miller was charged with 29 crimes to include; (2) Burglary-Unoccupied, (2) Assault on an Officer, (1) Fleeing/Eluding, (7) Dealing in Stolen Property, (7) False Information to a Pawn Broker, (7) Petit Theft, (1) Resisting W/O Violence, (1) Reckless Driving, (1) Violation of Probation

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