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Letter to the editor

Biker's ride ends in grip of cop

The motorcyclist allegedly tried to strike the Tarpon officer, who stood his ground, sending both to the road and a hospital.

By NORA KOCH
Published May 11, 2005

TARPON SPRINGS - He popped a wheelie as he headed down U.S. 19 late Tuesday morning. After fleeing one police officer, then bowling over another with his motorcycle, Bryan C. Handley spent much of the day at the hospital en route to the county jail, authorities said.

Handley, 19, was riding a 2004 red Honda motorcycle southbound from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard about 11 a.m. when police learned of his antics and attempted to catch him. While Officer Sue Gorman tried to pull him over from behind, Sgt. Michael Trill stopped southbound traffic at Klosterman Road, according to Tarpon Springs police.

When Handley reached the intersection, where Trill's police SUV was stopped with its emergency lights flashing, Handley pulled into the left turn lane and drove past the stopped vehicles. Trill stood outside his vehicle and held up his hand to stop Handley.

But Handley continued toward Trill, and the officer pulled his gun and pointed it at him because Trill felt threatened, police Sgt. Jeffrey Young said.

Handley slowed down to about 5 mph, then revved his accelerator when he was within a few feet of Trill, Young said.

The motorcycle struck Trill, who grabbed Handley and both men fell to the pavement together.

Trill and Handley went to Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital in Tarpon Springs with minor injuries, according to police.

Police planned to charge Handley, of Palm Harbor, with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude, reckless driving and no motorcycle endorsement. Police intended to take him to jail after he was discharged from Helen Ellis.

[Last modified May 11, 2005, 00:46:18]