Man Arrested After Asking Deputies For Directions

A Hudson man, driving a vehicle stolen from Virginia, was arrested yesterday after he stopped in Land O' Lakes to ask Pasco County deputies for directions.

According to the sheriff's office, Christopher Scott Schlidt, 31, of 9609 Awl Court, asked Pasco County deputies for directions while he was driving through Connerton.

In the middle of speaking with the deputies, Schlidt took off running and was later apprehended by a K-9 unit. He admitted to stealing the 2001 Honda Civic from Virginia Beach, Va., a sheriff's office report said.

Inside the vehicle was a loaded semi-automatic handgun, which Schlidt said he bought in Hudson for his personal safety. Fewer than 20 grams of marijuana was also found inside the vehicle, according to a Pasco County arrest report.

Schlidt was arrested on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, resisting an officer without violence and possession of marijuana.

A criminal history check showed two felony convictions out of Maryland in 1999 and 2000, sheriff's officials said. The vehicle was confirmed stolen out of Virginia Beach.

Schlidt is being held at Land O’ Lakes jail on a $5,000 bond.