On Tuesday, December 1, 2020 members of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling the area of I-10 near the Hwy 71 corridor when they were suddenly passed by a vehicle traveling East on I-10 in speeds well in excess of the maximum posted speed limit of 70 MPH. The vehicle was also displaying reckless behavior as it was weaving in and out of traffic and nearly causing accidents. As officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle rapidly accelerated in attempts to elude/evade officers. The vehicle exited I-10 on Hwy 69 and led officers South into the edge of Calhoun County before turning back North and traveling back into Jackson County and returning to I-10 where the pursuit continued East. While fleeing from officers the vehicle displayed willful and wanton disregard for the safety of the motoring public as it continued its high rate of speed while running traveling motorists off of the roadway.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was joined in the pursuit by the Sneads Police Department, The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The pursuit continued East, well into Gadsden County where the driver intentionally side swiped a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office marked patrol unit while attempting to avoid being boxed in by officers. The pursuit subsequently came to an end near the 187-mile marker on I-10 near Quincy, FL where the driver finally brought the vehicle to a stop under his own volition.
It was later determined that the driver, a 16 YOA juvenile whose name will not be released due to his juvenile status, was operating a stolen vehicle from Marietta, GA and was accompanied by 17 YOA juvenile passenger, whose name will not be released, who was determined to be reported as a missing runaway juvenile also from Marietta, GA. The two were also found to be in possession of fraudulent checks, identification cards, other suspected stolen items along with a quantity THC edibles and vape pin cartridges. The juveniles were arrested and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center in Tallahassee, FL to be first appeared for their criminal misconduct.
Sheriff Roberts would like to extend his most sincere gratitude to Chief Mike Miller and the Sneads Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol for their assistance in safely apprehending the juveniles. Sheriff Roberts and his staff are committed to providing safety to the public, and cherish the children of our community. Sheriff Roberts encourages all motorist to obey the traffic laws set forth by statute and in the event, you do violate a traffic law and you are encountered by a Law Enforcement Officer please stop. All lives are precious, especially that of our beloved children.
Sheriff Roberts encourages anyone with any information about any illegal activity to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 850-482-9624 or Chipola Crime Stoppers at 850-526-5000 or toll free at 888-804-8494. Tips can also be submitted online at www.crimestoppersofjacksoncountyfl.com
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