Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Man Flees from Deputy-Causes Crash



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).