December 8, 2022
On December 5, 2022 Deputy Gerard Williams was working traffic enforcement near the Town of Bronson when he saw a Nissan SUV run a stop sign. Deputy Williams attempted to stop the vehicle but when he activated his overhead lights, the driver refused to stop. A vehicle pursuit began and additional deputies responded to the area to assist.
Deputies chased the vehicle before it ultimately came to a stop in front of 10670 NE 97 Place, where the driver jumped out of the Nissan and fled into the woods. Deputy Williams exited his patrol vehicle and chased the driver, a woman, on foot. He was quickly able to catch up to her and utilized his Taser to stop her efforts to escape. While attempting to handcuff her she actively fought against his efforts. During this struggle Deputy Williams could tell she was attempting to hide something underneath her. Deputy Arters arrived and assisted Deputy Williams and when she was stood to her feet to take her to a nearby waiting patrol vehicle, Deputy Williams saw something in the dirt she was trying to bury. The suspicious item was collected and identified as a baggie of methamphetamines.
The following investigation identified the driver as Michelle McNeal (12/18/87) of Bronson. McNeal has been convicted five (5) previous times for driving on a suspended license. She also has been convicted of ten (10) felonies. She was arrested and charged with felony driving on a suspended license, possession of methamphetamines, evidence tampering, fleeing and attempting to elude LEO and resisting arrest without violence. She is being held in the Levy County Detention Center on a $100,000.00 bond.