A 20-year-old Ocala man traveling with his pregnant girlfriend and child was arrested after he allegedly fled from a traffic stop in Silver Springs Shores.
On Monday, April 8, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a gray Nissan Altima near the intersection of Pine Road and Silver Road. According to the arrest report, the driver, later identified as Anthony Michael Dotson, Jr., was not wearing a seatbelt.
The deputy noted in the report that Dotson also appeared to be speeding, and a traffic stop was conducted in the 8100 block of Fairways Circle. When the deputy approached the vehicle on foot, Dotson “sped off” in an attempt to flee from the traffic stop.
A pursuit was initiated, and the report stated that Dotson proceeded to commit multiple traffic infractions that included driving in an oncoming lane and nearly running over a pedestrian.
In the report, the deputy noted that Dotson “demonstrated careless and reckless driving behaviors that put the public in danger.”
When the deputy attempted to conduct a P.I.T. (precision immobilization technique) maneuver, Dotson’s vehicle struck another vehicle that was parked nearby. He continued fleeing from the deputy and drove onto a nearby golf course before coming to a complete stop, according to the report.
Dotson then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. After a short pursuit, Dotson was apprehended by law enforcement and taken into custody. The report stated that Dotson’s pregnant girlfriend and a child were both passengers in the vehicle.
Dotson’s girlfriend was transported to a local hospital.
After being read his Miranda rights, Dotson refused to speak with investigators. He was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $45,000 bond.
Dotson is being charged with fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer with injury or damage, neglecting a child without great bodily harm, and resisting an officer without violence.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, according to jail records.