(WFLA/NBC) One of Pasco County, Florida’s most wanted criminals is now off the streets, but he didn't give up easily.
His dramatic capture was caught on camera after a chase and crash Tuesday afternoon on U.S. 19.
Deputies tailed the suspect, Erick Batta, after he sped off in a stolen pickup truck when they tried to arrest him.
"He didn't want to be caught with ammunition. He didn't want to be caught with drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine," said Toni Roach of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
As he drove for miles in the right turn lane, roach said Batta tossed those items out the window.
Just as a metro pcs employee Patrick Monahan turned to go to work, Batta smashed into him.
Batta lost control and smashed into a light pole.
The disoriented ex-con complied and deputies had to drag him out of the vehicle.
"This is not the first time he has fled from law enforcement so it is really important for us to put this kind of person behind bars so that we can protect our citizens in Pasco County. It is very unnerving," said Roach.
EMS crews arrived to tend to Batta.
About 50 yards away, near a mangled stop sign, a dazed Monahan sat in his banged up ford fiesta.
A co-worker ran to help.
"He couldn't find his phone and he was stunned. I asked him if he was OK and he didn't respond,” said Metro PCS employee Jamie Kujawa.
Monahan is lucky.
Batta just got out of prison last July. He's now facing a long list of new charges.
Courtesy WFLA via NBC News Channel