OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A man was arrested early March 14 after allegedly stealing a truck from a local dealership and leading police on a high-speed chase.
According to the Ocala Police Department (OPD), officers responded to a trespassing report at Gary Yeomans Ford at 1:50 a.m. and found evidence that 34-year-old Ernest Van Damme had broken into the building and taken vehicle keys. When officers arrived, they observed Van Damme leaving the dealership in a Ford F-250 without a tag.
Police attempted a traffic stop, but say Van Damme fled, running a red light and reaching speeds of 90-100 mph. He eventually pulled over on I-75 northbound and surrendered.
Detectives charged Van Damme with commercial burglary, grand theft auto, and fleeing police. Officers recovered stolen keys, personal belongings, a hammer, machete, hatchet, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine inside the truck.
Later that morning, security footage linked Van Damme to another vehicle burglary at a separate location, resulting in additional charges. He was booked into the Marion County Jail.