A 39-year-old bicyclist accused of fleeing from a traffic stop in Ocala is facing additional felony charges after fentanyl and methamphetamine were allegedly found in his possession.
On Tuesday, September 24, shortly before 9:45 p.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on patrol near the 4800 block of W Highway 326 when a man was observed “riding a bicycle in and out of traffic.” As a result, traffic was slow in the area, and the arrest report stated that the bicycle did not have any lights attached.
The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the bicycle. However, the rider – later identified as Jeremy Lamotte – continued to ride away from the deputy. He allegedly proceeded to accelerate on his bike towards a property located in the 3700 block of W Highway 326, where he attempted to ride into the nearby woods, according to the report.
Lamotte proceeded to dismount his bicycle, and he began fleeing on foot. The report stated that the deputy caught up to Lamotte and deployed an “electrostatic discharge device,” which struck him, and he was detained in handcuffs.
Multiple MCSO units responded to the location to provide assistance. While speaking with law enforcement, Lamotte allegedly admitted to having “drugs in a bag,” according to the report.
After being read his Miranda rights, Lamotte allegedly told law enforcement that he fled from the deputy because he “just got dope” shortly before the attempted traffic stop. In the report, the deputy noted that Lamotte’s bag was searched, and the following items were found: a mixture of fentanyl and methamphetamine weighing 2.5 grams, 0.5 grams of fentanyl, and a used needle.
Lamotte was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $15,000 bond. He is being charged with possession of fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.