PHOTO BY DANNY GAWENDA
Justin A. Ford, 30, of Wesley Chapel, Fla., crashed his vehicle Sunday morning in a police chase after his car was identified as one that was allegedly involved in an armed robbery in Lee County, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Ford exited Interstate 75 at Harborview Road and crashed into a ditch, where officers pursued him on foot. Ford was found hiding in a drain pipe at the Hampton Point apartment complex in Punta Gorda, authorities said. He is being charged with armed robbery and grand theft in both Lee and Pasco counties, as well as charges in Charlotte County of fleeing to elude officers, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of a crash and resisting arrest. He is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.