A 23-year-old Ocala man is facing multiple felony charges, including trafficking in fentanyl, after he led deputies on a late-night pursuit in Citrus County.
On Friday night, a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Highway 486 and Highway 491 in Citrus County. According to CCSO, the driver of the vehicle – identified as William Thomas Lindo II – refused to stop and instead fled westbound on Highway 486.
Due to Lindo fleeing from the traffic stop, CCSO deputies deployed “tire deflation devices” near the intersection of Highway 486 and Donovan Avenue. The sheriff’s office stated that these devices successfully struck the tires on Lindo’s vehicle, and Lindo proceeded to turn off his vehicle’s lights in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
According to CCSO, Lindo turned onto Turkey Oak Drive before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot. A K-9 deputy pursued Lindo on foot while ground and air units established a perimeter in the area.
When Lindo reached the 8000 block of Crystal Street, CCSO stated that he unsuccessfully attempted to carjack a male juvenile victim. He then continued to run on foot, and he was soon apprehended by the K-9 deputy.
An interior search of Lindo’s vehicle was conducted, and deputies located two clear plastic baggies containing approximately 25.3 grams of a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl. In addition, deputies found 28.5 grams of cannabis, according to CCSO.
Lindo was arrested and transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility where he is currently being held on $61,000 bond. He is being charged with trafficking in fentanyl, possession of cannabis, burglary with battery, grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, resisting without violence, and attaching a tag not assigned to a vehicle.
On the day after Lindo’s arrest, Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast released the following statement:
“Lindo not only put himself at risk last night, but countless citizens along the way. I am incredibly proud of my team for apprehending this reckless individual and thankful no one was harmed. CCSO will remain relentless in our fight against illicit narcotics in our county.”