MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Dashcam footage from a Marion County Sheriff’s Officer’s patrol car captured a high-intensity, 100 MPH pursuit.
The pursuit occurred around 2 a.m. on Feb. 1 on SE Baseline Rd. and Maricamp Rd.
It all started when a Marion County Sherrif’s Office (MCSO) deputy was patrolling the area and noticed a car moving at a high rate of speed exiting the parking lot of Time Nightclub.He then phoned for backup after losing sight of the vehicle.
A fellow deputy quickly regained sight of the vehicle and triggered her patrol car’s emergency headlights to instigate a traffic stop.
The car’s driver, later identified as Al Johnson Jr., pulled over to the side of the road. At first, it seemed like a regular traffic stop.
However, Johnson had other ideas.
He faked a complete stop, instead making a U-turn through the median and taking off at speeds exceeding 100 MPH in the opposite direction.
The deputy then initiated a pursuit as Johnson continued to drive erratically, pulling many U-turns and repeatedly running a red light at the same intersection of Baseline and Maricamp roads.
An MCSO detective then joined the pursuit as Johnson made a southbound turn onto Baseline Rd. The detectives dashcam footage captures Johnson’s car hitting the curb while attempting the left-hand turn, losing control and nearly striking a guardrail.
The detective then caught up with Johnson’s car and attempted to move in for a P.I.T maneuver when Johnson suddenly pulled off to the shoulder and surrendered.
Johnson was promptly arrested, charged with Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer with Disregard for Safety.
He is currently held at the Marion County Jail without bond.