May 14, 2020
On Tuesday May 13, 2020 Deputy Ryan Sullivan spotted a
speeding Chevrolet truck on US Alt 27. Deputy Sullivan fell in behind the
vehicle and before turning on his lights to stop it, ran the tag. A return of
his inquiry revealed the truck was reported stolen to the Alachua County
Sheriff’s Office on May, 6, 2020 (Oh boy, things are going to get interesting).
Deputy Sullivan contacted his shift partners who joined him and they performed
a felony stop at the Chevron gas station near the Bronson Raceway.
The driver, later identified as Tony Whittle (8/18/59) of
Gainesville was ordered to exit the vehicle and was taken into custody. His
passenger, Indigo McMahon (2/19/91) of Chiefland, was also taken into custody.
If you’re caught driving a stolen truck we want you to know
our deputies will professionally interrupt your day and offer you a lengthy stay
at our luxurious bed and breakfast. However, this investigation made a weird
twist. It seems Mr. Whittle was the owner of the truck he was driving. On May 6
he loaned his truck to a trusted friend, who apparently could not be trusted
with the truck. The friend did not return as promised, prompting Mr. Whittle to
make his report to ASO. It seems Mr. Whittle lacked follow through and when he ultimately
got his truck back he forgot to tell ASO. Hence the “Stolen Vehicle” return
Deputy Sullivan received when he ran the tag. Most of you would think this is
where the story should end. Nope.
Mr. Whittle has a history of driving while his license is
suspended. He apparently likes to smoke crack while out on his afternoon drives
too. Evidence of both of these crimes were discovered by our diligent and
suspicious deputies. Mr. Whittle earned a stay with the LCSO Detention Bureau.
Ms. McMahon apparently likes to accompany Mr. Whittle on his
afternoon crack smoking drives and offered to bring his favorite mix along. She
likes a different type of ride and often intravenously consumes hydrocodone.
Not wanting her drugs confiscated she attempted to conceal them on her person
after she was taken into our jail (not her best decision). She acquired a new
charge to add to her possession of narcotics; introduction of contraband into a
detention facility. This is a level 2 felony and could earn her a much longer
stay in one of our state prisons.
Mr. Whittle is being held in lieu of a $40,000 bond. Ms.
McMahon racked up a total of $80,000 in bonds in her efforts.