Video: Police pepper-spray man after high-speed chase through West Melbourne

Suspect accused of fleeing traffic stop, resisting arrest

WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – A man who was behaving erratically nearly ran over a police officer while fleeing a traffic stop then led authorities on a chase through the city before pulling over in his own front yard, according to West Melbourne police.

Jorge Louis Rosado, 39, was swerving and driving erratically on Tuesday night before an officer pulled him over, police said. He refused to roll down his window, shut off his car or provide the documents that the officer requested, according to an arrest report.

"He put the officers in danger," West Melbourne police Sgt. Michelle Page said.

Body camera video from the incident shows Rosado handing the officer random items, including a handicapped hang tag. Rosado opens the door but ignores commands to step out, according to the video. 

The officer attempted to pull Rosado out of the vehicle, but had to quickly step out of the way when Rosado sped off, the arrest report said.

Officers chased Rosado as he sped through West Melbourne, hit stop sticks that police had deployed and crashed into a vehicle that was stopped at an intersection, according to police.

Rosado came to a stop in the front yard of his home, about seven minutes after the chase began.

Police said Rosado tensed his body and resisted as they tried to arrest him. Rosado was hit with a Taser and pepper spray before police could handcuff him, the report said.

Rosado is charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer without violence and fleeing and eluding.

A judge set his bond at $78,000 Wednesday at the Brevard County Jail.

"He's a clear and present danger to both the public and to law enforcement officers," Assistant State Attorney Gary Beatty said during Rosado's first court appearance.

Prosecutors brought up Rosado's history of convictions for resisting arrest with violence and fleeing and eluding police dating back 20 years.


About the Authors:

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.