February 28, 2022
On February 20, 2022 Deputies responded to the area of Cason Acres in Inglis to a reckless driver report. Citizens complained that a white Chevy Tahoe was speeding down the roads and the vehicle did not have a tag on it. Deputies arrived in the area and located the Tahoe traveling on Lori Street swerving back and forth at a speed above the posted speed limit and attempted to stop the driver.
The driver fled from our marked patrol unit and the deputy gave chase. The pursuit weaved through Cason Acres reaching speeds of 70+ mph before crossing US 19 on CR 40 West. The fleeing driver lost control of the Tahoe near SE 185th Street and became stuck in the ditch. The driver then fled on foot into a wooded area.
Deputy Alton Horne and his K-9 partner Behr came to assist. Behr found the tracks of the fleeing suspect and tracked him through the woods to a nearby home. Deputies surrounded the home and located Jake Bryant (7/29/80) of Inglis, hiding in a travel trailer parked adjacent to the home. Bryant, who was sweating and covered in mud was taken into custody, but refused to talk.
Deputies searched the Tahoe and found Bryant’s wallet and identification inside. Bryant, a habitual traffic offender was arrested and charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, driving with a suspended license (habitual), resisting arrest without violence and failure to register a motor vehicle. He is being held at the Levy County Detention Center in lieu of a $126,000.00 bond.