MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – On June 6, a routine license plate check turned into a dramatic foot chase after a Marion County Sheriff’s (MCSO) deputy pulled into the Circle K at E. Highway 315 and E. Highway 316.

Deputy Sampedro ran the plate of a green Ford Focus and discovered the registered owner, Jerry Wade Gibson, had a suspended driver’s license.

Bodycam footage shows the deputy activating his lights. Gibson initially slowed down but then swerved onto a dirt path and sped off, prompting a short vehicle pursuit.

A dashcam captures a nighttime scene where a suspect exits a vehicle and begins to flee on foot as law enforcement arrives.
Gibson jumps out of his car, which is still in drive. Courtesy: MCSO

The chase ended moments later near NE 142nd Place and NE 117th Court when Gibson jumped out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot. The deputy followed, shouting, “Let me see your hands!”

Soon after, a K-9 unit and MCSO helicopter joined the search. The helicopter spotted Gibson hiding on a rooftop nearby. Despite repeated commands, he jumped from the roof and ran through yards.

A police helicopter’s infrared camera tracks a suspect moving through a wooded area at night, with tactical overlays and a small inset of ground footage.
Chopper and bodycam footage, shown side by side, attempt to capture Gibson in the grassy area. Courtesy: MCSO

“Get on the (expletive) ground!” the K-9 deputy yelled as K-9 Koen barked loudly. Gibson ignored orders until Koen was released and quickly caught up to him.

As deputies attempted to arrest Gibson, he began striking Koen and even jumped on top of the dog. Fearing for the K-9’s safety, a deputy deployed a taser. Gibson was then taken into custody.

mugshot of a man who fled from MCSO police. he has a bald head, brown eyes and a beard
Jerry Wade Gibson, 43, is facing multiple charges from the pursuit. Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

What began as a routine stop resulted in several charges:

  • Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement
  • Touch/Strike to Cause Harm to a Police Service Animal
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR)
  • Failure to Register a Motor Vehicle (the tag didn’t belong to the vehicle)

Gibson is being held on a $9,000 bond.

“Actions have consequences, and trying to outrun the law will only make things worse,” wrote MCSO

K-9 Koen was unharmed and rewarded with treats for a job well done.

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