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Video: Rifle-wielding suspect flips car during pursuit, continues fleeing on foot before arrest

The man fled from Ocala PD officers at high speeds, driving in the wrong direction before colliding with another vehicle and crashing into an apartment complex

OCALA, Fla. — A high-speed pursuit ended in a violent crash and foot pursuit after a man reportedly brandished a rifle at a Wendy’s restaurant, ClickOrlando.com reported.

Officers responded to the fast-food location on May 10 following reports of a man with a firearm. The suspect allegedly pulled out a rifle before fleeing the scene in a white vehicle.

Dashcam video released on May 15 shows the suspect driving at high speeds, including in the wrong direction, before colliding with another vehicle. Moments later, footage captures the suspect crashing through a wooden fence at an apartment complex. The impact caused the vehicle to flip and land on its roof.

Police said the suspect emerged from the wreckage still holding the rifle and attempted to flee on foot through the complex. Officers pursued and eventually took him into custody without further incident.

The suspect is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, aggravated fleeing and eluding and tampering with evidence, according to the report. No injuries to officers or bystanders were reported.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com