Floral City — A Sumter County man who was wanted on a warrant out of Putnam County on drug charges fled from authorities after they attempted to pull him over Tuesday.
According to reports, deputies attempted a traffic stop on 20-year-old Traveon Jaquaad Samuels after he failed to come to a complete stop at the intersection of East Goggler Drive and South Withapopka Drive.
Deputies said when they activated their emergency lights, Samuels put his car in reverse, stopped, and then made a U-turn.
According to the arrest affidavit, Samuels continued to drive recklessly through residential streets, fleeing at rates of up to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Deputies deployed stop sticks at which time contact was made with the vehicle’s right front tire.
Samuels continued to flee from deputies and traveled into oncoming traffic, nearly striking another patrol car head-on.
Samuels continued to evade deputies by driving through a backyard but crashed into a nearby home that was occupied.
Samuels abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. He was captured after a short foot chase.
Upon searching Samuels’ vehicle, deputies located several bags of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Samuels was charged with Fleeing and eluding with disregard for safety, Trafficking in fentanyl, Trafficking in methamphetamine, Trafficking in heroin, Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of marijuana over 20 grams, Aggravated assault on law enforcement, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and Resisting law enforcement without violence.
The victim inside the home was transported to the hospital and is being treated for his injuries. He is currently listed in stable condition.
Samuels is currently held at the Citrus County Detention Center without bond.
Following the crash, residents turned to Facebook to express their concerns about the chase. Many feel that the individual’s home and injuries could have been avoided had the CCSO called off the chase and used resources to capture Samuels at a later time.
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