Friday, April 1, 2016

Fleeing Suspect Arrested





April 1, 2016

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received several calls from citizens reporting a reckless driver on SR 121 at approximately 11:30 pm last night. Deputy Ryan Sullivan located the green Mustang described by the 911 callers as it turned on to US 19 in Lebanon Station driving south in the north bound lane. 

Deputy Sullivan paralleled the Mustang driving south in the north bound lane with his emergency lights and siren on attempting to gain the driver’s attention and get him stopped. However, the driver identified as Shane Steven Sparks (12-17-72) accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 mph into on-coming traffic. Deputy Justin T. Mashburn, who assisted Deputy Sullivan, blocked the north bound traffic just north of the Town of Inglis in an attempt to protect other motorists.  

Deputy Sullivan’s attempts to stop Sparks were unsuccessful. Sparks continued to flee from Deputy Sullivan and when he approached Deputy Mashburn’s roadblock, he intentionally swerved to strike Deputy Mashburn’s patrol vehicle. Deputy Sullivan was authorized to utilize the PIT maneuver and was able to successfully stop Sparks before he caused injury to other motorists.

Upon being taken into custody, Deputies suspected Sparks was under the influence of unknown substances. He was transported to Seven Rivers Hospital and was cleared medically before being transported to the Levy County Detention Facility for booking. Sparks has been charged with fleeing and attempt to elude Law Enforcement, reckless driving, assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and possession of narcotics. This investigation is still on-going and additional charges could be filed. He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.
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Lt. Scott Tummond
Public Information
Levy County Sheriff's Office
(352) 486-5111
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