MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper used a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver to stop a wrong-way driver in a stolen SUV on the Palmetto Expressway in northwest Miami-Dade Thursday night, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old man, authorities said.
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Troopers said John Michael Actisdano was driving east in the westbound lanes of the Palmetto Expressway near Northwest 67th Avenue when they were alerted by the Miami Regional Communications Center just after 11:30 p.m.
Upon locating the SUV, authorities said a trooper attempted to stop Actisdano, but he reversed into another car before fleeing westbound.
The trooper then executed a PIT maneuver to bring the SUV to a stop against a guardrail, allowing authorities to take Actisdano into custody, according to an arrest report.
The report stated that Actisdano admitted to using fentanyl mixed with MDMA, commonly known as “Molly,” after a trooper asked him, “What did you take?” while placing him in handcuffs.
A records check confirmed the black Toyota SUV had been reported stolen.
Investigators said they also found two clear bags containing a white powdery substance in the vehicle. A dog in the back seat was taken by animal control, according to the report.
Troopers said Actisdano was transported to Jackson West Medical Center to be evaluated before he was transported to jail.
Authorities said he refused to provide a urine or blood sample for testing due to “safety reasons.”
Jail records show Actisdano is facing one count each of grand theft of a vehicle, driving under the influence and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
As of Friday, he was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond was listed as “to be set.”
