MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) — A man was arrested Thursday after authorities say he fled from a Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputy during a traffic stop attempt the day before.

According to MCSO, on April 24, 2025, at around 7:30 a.m., Aviation Pilot Joe Jenkins observed Richard Martin driving recklessly on a motorcycle, using a turn-only lane to pass traffic stopped at a red light. MCSO said Martin also ran a red light and weaved through traffic before a deputy attempted a traffic stop.

When instructed to pull over, Martin fled at a high rate of speed through a parking lot. Due to safety concerns, a pursuit was not initiated, MCSO said.

The following morning, Pilot Jenkins and Pilot Neo Brooks located Martin at his residence using MCSO’s AIR-1 helicopter. Deputies said Martin left his home on the same motorcycle and was monitored from the air as ground units moved into position.

A traffic stop was conducted in the 1600 block of SW 42nd Street, where Martin was taken into custody without incident. Deputies said Martin was also found with marijuana in a backpack.

Martin was arrested for fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer and possession of marijuana. He was transported to the Marion County Jail, according to MCSO.

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