An Ocala man is facing seven charges after he initially eluded police with a dangerous car chase before being recognized and apprehended later in the day while on foot.
A Marion County Sheriff’s deputy recognized 43-year-old Matthew Brennan while he was traveling eastbound on Sunset Harbor Road on Sunday, June 20. According to a report with the sheriff’s office, the the deputy was aware that Brennan does not have a valid driver’s license.
When the deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop, Brennan delayed and ignored verbal commands from the officer until ultimately driving into a ditch and reversing his direction. The deputy decided to stop following Brennan on account of the unsafe maneuver.
Later in the day, the officer observed Brennan walking near SE 93rd Street. Brennan ignored commands to get on the ground and a foot chase through a local wooded area ensued, according to a sheriff’s report.
Multiple units responded to the scene and located Brennan, who was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail with a bond set at $13,000.
Brennan faces seven charges including no valid driver license and resisting arrest. A court date is set for July 20 at 9 a.m., jail records show.