May 22, 2018
In the early morning hours Saturday, May 19, 2018, Levy
County Deputy M. Adams observed a conversion van on US Highway 19 traveling
south at 20 miles an hour over the posted speed limit. Deputy Adams attempted
to stop the vehicle by activating his overhead lights. But, the driver circled
through a parking lot then sped away crossing over the median of US Highway 19
in his attempts to elude Deputy Adams.
Deputy Adams radioed for assistance as he continued his
attempts to stop the driver who was now fleeing at speeds in excess of 80 miles
an hour. The Chiefland Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol
responded to Deputy Adam’s calls for assistance as the driver of the fleeing
vehicle approached the City of Chiefland. Deputy Adams reduced his speed as the
pursuit neared the intersection of US Highway 19 and CR 320. Deputy Adams
observed the driver of the fleeing vehicle run this red light, nearly causing a
collision with vehicle that was stopped at the light and another that was
entering the intersection. As Deputy Adams entered this intersection he
collided with a vehicle in the intersection. The driver of the vehicle Deputy
Adams struck sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby medical
facility for treatment. Deputy Adams was not injured.
The vehicle Deputy Adams was pursing continued to flee,
ultimately crashing at the intersection of US Highway 19 and CR 129. No other vehicle
was involved in this crash. The driver, identified as Charles H. Roosa (10-2-79)
who lists a St. Petersburg address, was taken into custody by additional
responding Chiefland Police Officers. Roosa was transported to the Levy County
Detention Facility and was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law
enforcement. His bond was assigned at $100,000.00.
However, this doesn’t end here. On May 20, 2018, Detention Officers
responded to the cell Roosa was confined in because he was irate and cursing at
staff members. Roosa refused to calm down and charged at a Detention Officer who
was attempting to assist him. Roosa threw a punch at the Detention Officer then
tackled him, pushing his way out of the confinement cell.
Patrol Deputies responded to the Levy County Detention
Facility to assist detention staff. After reviewing the video surveillance, Roosa
was additionally charged with battery on a Detention Officer (a felony).