Joyride Through Jail Lawn Lands Man Behind Bars

On 07-27-15 at approximately 7 p.m., Hernando County Detention Deputies observed the driver of a red SUV drive right up to the main entry/exit door at the Hernando County Detention Center on Spring Hill Drive.

Deputies notified Sergeant Steven Wegner of the situation. Sergeant Wegner responded to the lobby of the detention center where he encountered Michael Lee Roberts, the driver of the red SUV.

Sergeant Wegner advised Roberts that he could not park his vehicle on the sidewalk at the main entry/exit of the detention center. Roberts refused to move his vehicle. Sergeant Wegner escorted Roberts outside and again instructed him to remove the vehicle from in front of the entry/exit. Again, Roberts refused to move his vehicle.

Patrol Deputy Reagin arrived on scene and instructed Roberts to move his vehicle from the main entry/exit of the detention center.

Roberts got into his vehicle and began backing down the walkway. Roberts then hit the bench and was unable to back up any further. He then accelerated in a forward motion with his wheels turned toward the right and proceeded to go through the landscaping and up over the landscaping design curbing and across the lawn.

Roberts suddenly turned the vehicle around and headed back toward the building, in the grass, and took aim at the deputy’s patrol car. At the last minute, Roberts abruptly turned to the left, continuing in a full circle, striking the flag pole.

At this time Deputy Reagin approached Roberts and ordered him out of the vehicle. Roberts stepped out of the car, was taken to the ground, and placed in handcuffs.

Michael Lee Roberts B/M DOB/07-28-1984 was placed under arrest, charged as follows:
– Criminal Mischief
– Resisting Officer w/o Violence (2 counts)
– Bond – $4,000.

Video of a portion of this incident will be posted to the HCSO Facebook page and You Tube channel.