By Irene Wright
The Charlotte Observer
LAKELAND, Fla. — A man wanted on multiple felony charges has been taken into custody after making comments on a Florida sheriff’s office’s Facebook page, challenging deputies to catch him, police said.
Aaron Johnson, 29, was wanted on domestic violence and aggravated assault charges when he commented on a June 3 Facebook post from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office showcasing the speed of K9 Reno, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
While responding to a comment, the sheriff’s office posted, “We really thought our deputy was going to outrun K9 Reno,” according to screengrabs shared by police.
“I done out run y’all several time(s),” Johnson responded.
“Challenge accepted #levelup,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Ok! I’ll give you a head start. Y’all couldn’t catch me on foot or in da car last time. Maybe you gonna need that horse or ya helicopter #levelup #ImgGoneGrady,” Johnson commented.
Johnson later commented again on a sheriff’s office post celebrating a fishing event with Sheriff Grady Judd, according to police.
“Y’all (too) busy fishing (that’s) why y’all didn’t catch me when I left my grandma’s house today!” Johnson wrote, according to screengrabs from Lakeland Police. “Y’all accepted da challenge right #GradyCan’tFindMe #ComeAgainGrady”
The sheriff’s office responded in a comment saying “No worries — we will find you. Bet,” according to cops.
In a June 17 Facebook post, Lakeland police said the “little game” ended when officers and detectives “tracked (Johnson) down” and transferred him to the Polk County Jail .
“When Aaron Johnson jumped on Facebook and challenged the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, bragging he couldn’t be caught despite having felony warrants, our LPD officers said, ‘Challenge accepted,’” police said.
The sheriff’s office shared the post and said, “You forgot all the agencies here in Polk work together.”
Johnson was charged with domestic battery, domestic violence aggravated assault with a weapon, domestic violence felony battery, criminal mischief and felony tampering, arrest records show.
Lakeland is about a 35-mile drive northeast from downtown Tampa .
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