TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Man Arrested After Fleeing From Authorities

ADVERTISEMENT

By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: March 24, 2009

AVON PARK - An Orlando man remained in jail Monday on a $35,000 bond after leading police on a Sunday chase through both the streets and neighborhoods of Avon Park.

Sheluis Eugene Dennis, 32, was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property, refusing to stop, damaging property/criminal mischief, resisting an officer without violence, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Law enforcement tried to pull over Dennis' vehicle around 6:30 p.m., but the suspect sped away once the deputy's emergency lights were turned on, according to the arrest report.

The chase continued onto Garrett Road, where Dennis drove into the parking lot of Beach Front and hit a concrete barricade placed across the lot. He still did not stop and instead headed west past Squallys Bar, which had several people out in front.

Dennis eventually drove down Gobourne Street before going through a backyard leading to Perry Street, the report stated.

Before getting to Perry Street, Dennis' vehicle reportedly hit a wooden fence that was valued at $100. The suspect continued speeding down area streets before finally hitting a utility pole.

Dennis got out of his car and started running between houses. Deputies then began chasing the suspect on foot and giving warnings for him to stop or they would have to release Cain, one of the sheriff's office's K-9 units.

Dennis allegedly continued running and Cain was given the command to go after him. The dog tore at the back of his shirt, but Dennis was able to get free.

The chase continued down Gale Street and Dennis tried to scale a 4-foot tall chain link fence, the report stated. Cain was again released and grabbed the suspect's left leg as he climbed the fence. Since there were metal barbs at the top, the dog was ordered to release Dennis.

After Dennis got over the fence, the K-9 was once again released and dragged the suspect to the ground. Deputies were then able to restrain him.

When law enforcement got back to Dennis' vehicle, they reportedly found an Advil bottle containing crack cocaine, a baggie of marijuana and a marijuana blunt.

Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Scott Williams made the arrest.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT