The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office released deputy bodycam video that recorded a pursuit and crash resulting in the death of an attempted kidnapping suspect Saturday on State Route 54 in New Port Richey.
Michael Blomberg fled from deputies around 9:50 p.m.
“He’s going to be passing. Heavy traffic. Coming this way,” said one Pasco County deputy, waiting for Blomberg to approach.
Authorities began chasing Michael Blomberg from the Circle-K near the Ballantrae subdivision on State Road 54 , after reports he was assaulting his girlfriend and possibly trying to kidnap her.
The clerk at the store, called 911.
“To notify us that this woman, mouthed to him, help me, she was in a head lock. There was clearly signs of distress there,” said Sheriff Chris Nocco.
Deputies pulled in the gas station, as Blomberg pulled out. They thought the woman was in the car.
The deputy went after Blomberg.
Authorities pursued Blomberg for about a mile down the road, before he crossed over the median into oncoming traffic.
Blomberg slammed into innocent driver, Kirby Sober, whose truck burst into flames.
“Oh, he hit him,” said the deputy.
The whole incident was captured on Saturday night’s A&E’s Live PD broadcast and also on deputies body cameras.
They rushed to save Blomberg from his car by breaking the glass and pulling him out.
They administered CPR, but he later died.
Sheriff Nocco commended his deputies for trying.
He said, “They knew that was a suspect vehicle. The driver was probably the suspect, but still they’re gonna do everything they can to save his life.”
Sober is remains in the hospital with severe burns in stable condition. His family has hired attorney Hunter Higdon. They’re planning a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss Sober’s recovery.
A Go Fund Me page has been started to help with Sober’s medical bills.
Sheriff Nocco thanked him and the clerk that dialed 911.
“He got hit, but just think that could have been more people that got hurt out there, so I want to thank those two citizens because your actions help save other people,” he said.
Nocco said his deputies did the right thing.
“If we don’t pursue that vehicle and she’s killed, you’re holding a press conference asking why didn’t the deputies do everything to save her life,” he said.
