By Madeleine Marr
Miami Herald
OCALA, Fla. — On Sunday, two Marion County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a black Mitsubishi for a speeding violation in Ocala. It soon turned into a wild chase, according to a police report.
Once the officers’ lights were activated, the car sped up.
Bodycam footage shows how the incident went down.
After a few miles, the vehicle turned into the parking lot at Ocala Fire Rescue Station and the deputy observed the passenger throw a large bag out of the window.
As the vehicle pulled behind the building, the passenger, later identified as Daniel Jones, 40, threw a large bag out the window, according to an MCSO Facebook post.
The car finally stopped and contact was made with both Jones and the driver, identified as David Lolley, 39.
“Get on the ground! Get on the ground! Face down!” one officer yelled.
Jones carefully exited the car with a pit bull puppy in his hand.
“I know you have a dog!” screamed an officer in the video.
During the investigation, the officers located a large amount of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, heroin and marijuana. Also found in the search was a loaded .32 caliber KelTec firearm, under the front passenger seat. One round was found in the chamber. The weapon had been reported lost, according to authorities.
On Lolley’s person were several syringes. The suspect claimed to be a diabetic, but heroin residue was later found in one of those syringes.
Both the driver and passenger were arrested.
Lolley was charged with fleeing to elude, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.
Jones was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, MDMA, heroin and marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a concealed firearm.
Also in the car: a female pit bull puppy, which was later turned over to Marion County Animal Control.
The post said some members of the sheriff’s office were able to “cuddle” with the dog for a little while.
Jones was held on $32,000 bail; Lolley on $16,000 bail.
Both men are still in custody at the Marion County Jail. Their court date is Oct. 2.