AI-assisted summary

An Ocala driver is hospitalized in critical condition after fleeing police and crashing into a utility pole.

The driver, a 39-year-old Ocala resident, struck an officer while fleeing a traffic stop near Lava Hookah Lounge, police said.

The driver was ejected from the vehicle upon impact with the pole and remains hospitalized.

Police pursued the vehicle until it crashed on SW 20th Street.

Ocala police officials said a man hit an officer with his vehicle late the night of Aug. 22, then crashed into a wooden utility pole during the subsequent police chase.

Authorities said they pursued the man, driving a Nissan, to the 5400 block of Southwest 20th Street, where the car ran off the roadway.

The driver was taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, and as of Aug. 23 was lis

See Full Page