JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WDNews) – A routine traffic stop led to a brief pursuit and the arrest of a suspect Wednesday afternoon in northern Jackson County.
Deputies say around 3:52 p.m., a Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy spotted a tan Chevrolet pickup speeding north on Sand Ridge Church Road near Welcome Church Road. Radar confirmed the vehicle was traveling well above the posted speed limit and crossing into oncoming traffic multiple times.
When the deputy attempted to stop the truck, the driver fled—reaching speeds more than twice the limit and cutting through intersections and private property. The chase came to an end after the driver pulled into a driveway and ran into a nearby residence.
Deputies spoke with the homeowner, who confirmed the truck didn’t belong there and allowed deputies inside. The suspect, identified as Anthony Sawyer, was found hiding in a back bedroom and taken into custody without further incident.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Sawyer later admitted to fleeing law enforcement and said he had consumed a controlled substance before being detained.
Sawyer faces charges of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer and Tampering or Destruction of Evidence.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office praised deputies for their “quick response and professionalism” in safely ending the pursuit.
