A man who was pulled over for having an expired vehicle registration led an Ocala Police officer on a foot chase before he was arrested on drug charges Monday.
According to the officer’s report, 37-year-old Joseph Kenneth Rolle, of Ocala, pulled into a driveway on SW 13th Avenue, jumped out of his 2005 Toyota Camry and began running away. While in pursuit, the officer saw a cloud of a white powdery substance released into the air and then a clear plastic bag discarded by Rolle, an Ocala Police report states.
Rolle saw the officer had his taser gun unholstered and immediately dropped to the ground. He began complaining of breathing problems, so the officer handcuffed him and sat him up until backup arrived. The torn plastic bag was recovered and found to contain a white powdery substance that field tested positive for crack cocaine, the report says.
A records search revealed Rolle’s license was suspended and that he has four previous convictions for driving with a suspended license. Rolle also had an active warrant out of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for felony domestic battery (second offense).
Rolle, who injured his right knee during the chase, was taken to AdventHealth for treatment. Meanwhile, another officer searched his vehicle and found a green leafy substance that tested positive for marijuana, a metal spoon that contained a white residue that tested positive for crack cocaine and a vile with a clear liquid that tested positive for MDMA, also known as Ecstasy or Molly.
Rolle told officers that he didn’t know anything about the substances. He said he ran because he knew his license wasn’t valid. He also said he previously had an issue with using crack cocaine but no longer uses it, the report says.
Rolle was charged with a fifth offense of driving with a suspended license, possession of crack cocaine, possession of MDMA, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, tampering with evidence and resisting without violence.
Rolle also was also charged with felony domestic battery (second offense) from the outstanding warrant. He’s being held without bond in the Marion County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Marion County Court on April 16.