A wanted Leesburg man who tried to outrun law enforcement was captured when he couldn’t find his way off an island.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s Street Crimes Unit received a tip that 30-year-old James Fenderson, who was wanted on multiple warrants, would be paying a visit Sunday morning to the Bay Island Cottages mobile home park in Leesburg. The tipster indicated Fenderson would be driving a red Camaro.
The Street Crime Unit deputies set up surveillance around the island on which the Bay Island Cottages are located. A red Camaro drove onto the island at 5 a.m. A deputy began to follow the Camaro and activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. The Camaro drove away at a high rate of speed.
Fenderson tried to drive around a squad car blocking the only exit off the island, but he crashed into the pillar of a home.
Fenderson drove around the island several times before finally surrendering.
He was found to be in possession of marijuana and fentanyl.
He was booked at the Lake County Jail on charges of fleeing to elude with disregard for public safety, driving while license suspended, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. He was being held without bond.
