A 32-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of fentanyl and driving under the influence, after he allegedly led law enforcement on a high-speed chase on Interstate 75 in Marion County.
On Friday, October 11, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined the pursuit of a Toyota Tacoma that had fled from a traffic stop near the 3700 block of NW Blitchton Road in Ocala. The deputy that initiated the traffic stop informed MCSO that the pickup truck’s driver, later identified as Emanuel Bell, Jr, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the arrest report.
Bell allegedly fled northbound on I-75, and the report stated that his pickup truck reached speeds exceeding 110 miles per hour. A deputy noted that Bell also “(drove) recklessly on the right-side shoulder almost causing several accidents.”
The vehicle pursuit came to an end on I-75, near Highway 318, when an MCSO deputy successfully conducted a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver on the pickup truck. Bell then exited the vehicle, and he allegedly ran across the southbound lanes of the interstate, according to the report. Top of Form
One of the deputies on scene caught up to Bell, and he surrendered without further incident. He was detained in handcuffs, and the report mentioned that he had “bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.”
After being read his Miranda rights, Bell told law enforcement that he “had no idea what had occurred” or why a deputy had initially pulled his pickup truck over on NW Blitchton Road. He allegedly admitted to using fentanyl in the past, though he claimed he currently “only smokes marijuana.”
During a search of Bell’s pickup truck, law enforcement allegedly located a purple plastic wrapper that contained a green leafy substance, which field-tested positive for fentanyl.
Bell was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he agreed to perform field sobriety exercises. The report stated that Bell performed poorly in several of the exercises.
While at the jail, Bell provided two breath samples, which revealed that he did not have any alcohol in his system. He also agreed to provide a urine sample, though the results were not available at the time of the report.
A computer search of Bell revealed that his driver’s license was suspended.
Bell is currently being held at Marion County Jail on a $15,000 bond. He is being charged with fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer with disregard of safety to persons or property; driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; resisting an officer without violence; possession of fentanyl; possession of drug paraphernalia; and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
On Tuesday, November 12, Bell is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m., according to jail records.