Man arrested on drug charges after traffic pursuit - for not wearing a seatbelt - and crash
LCSO mugshot and still of traffic crash from LCSO video.
Fanning Springs, Florida - On Friday, June 9, 2023, Deputy Gerard Williams was on patrol in Fanning Springs, when he observed a man driving a blue sport utility vehicle (SUV), who was not wearing a seat belt, pass by him. The man was later identified as 31 year-old Jay Thomas Working of Old Town, Florida.
Deputy Williams attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, and Working pulled into a residential driveway off NW 168 Lane. However, when Deputy Williams approached the vehicle, Working drove away.
Deputy Williams gave chase and called for back-up. During the pursuit, Working made numeous turns, drove the wrong way on U.S. Highway 19, and accelerated to speeds up to and more than 100 mph, in his attempt to elude Deputy Williams. The chase lasted more than five minutes and ended when Working flipped his SUV in front of kendogs Restaurant, located at 16041 U.S. Highway 19 (at NW 160 Street) in Fanning Springs. View a brief video of the pursuit and crash here: https://levyso.com/fleeing-suspect-crashes/.
Working, who had a history of fleeing from law enforcement, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was transported to a local hospital where he was evaluated and released into the custody of law enforcement.
He was transported to the Levy County Detention Facility, charged with possession of methamphetamine, fleeing from law enforcement, possession of drug equipment, and driving while license suspended or revoked, second offense. His bond was set at $102,500.