February 23, 2021
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Communication Center received a call at approximately 12:45 a.m. this morning from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and Dixie County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Both agencies were requesting assistance in a vehicle pursuit.
The FHP began pursuing a vehicle in Taylor County south on US Hwy 19. DCSO joined to assist in stopping the fleeing vehicle in their county that reached speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour. LCSO Deputy Blake Murphy deployed stop sticks, a device used to deflate a vehicle’s tires, at the Levy/Dixie county line, but the fleeing suspect was able to avoid striking them.
The suspect continued to flee south on US Hwy 19 and entered the City of Chiefland at over 100 miles per hour. Corporal Chase Gregory, who was just south of Chiefland, again attempted to use stop sticks. The fleeing driver was able to avoid these too. Deputy Mark Juen and Deputy TJ Miller positioned themselves just south of Otter Creek and were successful in their attempt with stop sticks, ultimately forcing the vehicle to stop in Gulf Hammock.
The FHP took the suspect into custody who was identified as Brian Morgan of Brooksville, Florida. Morgan made a statement to the arresting FHP Trooper that he ran from law enforcement because his license is suspended.
The FHP booked Morgan into the Levy County Detention Facility for fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement and driving while his license was suspended. Morgan is being held on a $225,000.00 bond.