Man with suspended license arrested in Gulf Hammock after three-county pursuit
The pursuit had begun in Taylor County, Florida by the Florida Highway Patrol, of a vehicle traveling south on U.S. Hwy. 19. When the vehicle reached Dixie County, the Dixie County Sheriff's Office joined in the pursuit of the vehicle, at speeds up to and in excess of 120 miles per hour.
At the Dixie/Levy county line, Levy County Sheriff's Office Deputy Blake Murphy deployed stop sticks, a device used to deflate a vehicle’s tires, but the fleeing suspect - later identified as Brian Morgan of Brooksville, Florida - was able to avoid striking them.
Morgan continued to flee south on U.S. Hwy. 19 and entered the City of Chiefland in Levy County at over 100 miles per hour. Just south of Chiefland, Levy County Corporal Chase Gregory placed stop sticks on the roadway, but again, the fleeing driver was able to avoid them.
Just south of Otter Creek, FL, Levy County deputies Mark Juen and T.J. Miller placed out stop sticks, and were successful in their attempt to stop the vehicle, which finally came to a stop in Gulf Hammock, Florida.
Mr. Morgan was taken into custody by the Florida Highway Patrol. According to a press release, he made a statement to the arresting trooper that he ran from law enforcement because his license is suspended. Morgan was transported to the Levy County Detention Facility, charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, and driving with a suspended license. His bond was set at $225,000.