A Leesburg man in a Mercedes was arrested after trying to escape from police while he was in possession of a gun and a large cache of drugs.
Police responded to a motor vehicle crash and subsequent shots fired near East Dixie Avenue and Minatee Lane at around 10:55 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department.
Upon arrival, the officers spoke to 28-year-old Tyler Kennard Reed who was one of the involved parties. He was exhibiting nervous behavior while stating he was the victim of a robbery. He also advised he was the driver of the gray Mercedes he stood next to, the report said.
The officers began to investigate, starting with a search of the Mercedes. They could see two separate clear plastic baggies in plain view from outside the vehicle. A large quantity of a green leafy substance was inside each bag. This was determined to be marijuana, the report said.
Reed, who was informed of the discovery, began to walk toward the vehicle, the report said. An officer told Reed several times to stop retreating, but he ignored all verbal commands from the officer. Reed then got into the Mercedes through the driver’s side door and tried to flee the scene while attempting to put the vehicle in drive.
The officer tried to prevent Reed from putting the vehicle in gear as he reached inside in an attempt to deactivate the ignition or place the vehicle in park. While the officer did this, Reed was able to put the vehicle in reverse and abruptly vacate the area, the report said.
The officer was struck by the “A” frame pillar of the vehicle, as he was still partially inside it at the time of Reed’s escape. He was able to break free to spare himself from injury, the report said.
Reed continued northbound on Minatee Lane and disappeared from the view of law enforcement, the report said. As a result, a general BOLO, or “be on the lookout,” was broadcast for the Mercedes.
About 10 minutes later, Reed returned to the scene. He exited the vehicle and was placed under arrest without incident, the report said.
However, a senior K9 officer was in the area just prior to the BOLO alert, and he observed a vehicle matching the description around North Lake Street and U.S. Hwy. 441, the report said.
Another officer spotted the Mercedes in the area of Washington Street and Douglas Street, about 2,000 feet between the two officers at the time of their sightings. This officer followed the vehicle until Reed returned to the incident location, the report said.
The senior K9 officer promptly went back to the area where he observed the Mercedes traveling after Reed was arrested, the report said. About 15 yards from the roadway on the western grass shoulder, he found the two bags of leafy substance previously seen inside the vehicle. This later tested positive for 149.6 grams of marijuana.
The officer then used his K9 partner to conduct a search for the firearm, the report said. A black Glock 17 9mm firearm was found on the east side of the roadway of North Lake Street. Next to the firearm was a small plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance. This later tested positive for 1.6 grams of cocaine.
Reed was subsequently charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of marijuana and cocaine. He was transported to the Lake County Jail for the booking process and released after posting $10,000 bond.
