Miami man arrested in Levy County after high-speed, 50 mile chase, damaging 3 patrol vehicles

Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO)

Bronson, Florida - A Miami man was arrested on numerous felonies on the evening of April 29, 2025, after attempting to flee from Levy County Sheriff's Office deputies.

Sergeant Tom Martin was on patrol, traveling north on U.S. Highway 19 near Lebanon Station, north of Inglis, Florida, when he was passed by a black Camry car. Sergeant Martin turned on his overhead lights, signaling the driver to stop, Rather than stopping, the driver - later identified as 49 year-old Kerri Shayon Willis - accelerated and sped away from the deputy, who gave chase.

Willis accelerated to speeds over 110 mph, made multiple evasive turns and rammed deputies with his car. The pursuit took place over approximately 30 minutes and spanned about 50 miles before Willis was apprehended. During his pursuit, Willis recklessly sped past a stopped school bus, ran multiple stop signs, drove through the City of Williston, Florida at over 80 miles an hour, and swerved at deputies, forcing them to run off the road while displaying total disregard for public safety. Numeous law enforcement personnel joined the pursuit.

Willis was arrested and booked into the Levy County Detention Bureau in Bronson, Florida at 7:09 pm, charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement officers with disregard as to property or the safety of people, resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license, and reckless driving, first offense; his combined bonds were set at $80,000. He was also charged with aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and assault of a law enforcement officer with bond assignments of no bond

During the pursuit, three LCSO patrol vehicles sustained damage. No civilian or deputy injuries were reported.

“I am relieved that no one was injured, and thankful our deputies were able to apprehend this dangerous individual," said Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, "He passed a marked patrol unit, driving on US 19 during broad daylight at a speed of over 100 mph. It was obvious he had no regard for anyone’s safety. He will be prosecuted to the fullest extent the law will allow, and I will be asking for full restitution to repair the damages he caused to our patrol vehicles.”