A 26-year-old Weirdsdale man was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after he led deputies on a high-speed chase in a stolen pickup truck.
On Sunday, February 12, the sheriff’s office received a report that a white 2018 Toyota Tundra had been stolen from Public Storage located at 9275 S Highway 441 in Ocala.
According to a social media post from MCSO, deputies responded to the area of SE 162nd Place Road in Summerfield after receiving information that the stolen pickup truck was nearby. While searching the area, a deputy spotted a white Toyota Tundra on SE 49th Lane and confirmed it was the stolen vehicle.
According to MCSO, the driver of the pickup truck – identified as Skylar Eugene Adkins – drove away from the deputies at a high rate of speed. After a several-mile pursuit, deputies lost sight of the vehicle.
The sheriff’s office received additional information that the stolen pickup truck was located in the 15000 block of SE 93rd Court. The vehicle was observed by an MCSO lieutenant, and a corporal and K-9 partner responded to the location to assist with the search for Adkins.
MCSO stated that Adkins ran away from deputies and entered a nearby residence. He allegedly asked the occupants to “hide him from law enforcement.” The homeowners refused and demanded that Adkins leave the premises.
After Adkins left the home, the corporal located him in-between two fences. Adkins attempted to flee on foot, and the corporal’s K-9 partner was released and apprehended Adkins.
Adkins was arrested and transported to Marion County where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of property (valued at $10,000 or more but less than $20,000), burglary of a conveyance, driving with a suspended license, resisting an officer without violence, trespassing in an occupied structure, and violation of probation (five counts).
Adkins also had active warrants for grand theft of a motor vehicle, burglary of a conveyance, and burglary of a dwelling.
A court date has been scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, according to jail records.