MARION COUNTY, Fla. – New video from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office shows deputies chase down a fleeing driver who says he only ran because he didn’t have a license.
Leroy Graham, 31, was arrested Monday to face charges of operating a motor vehicle without a valid license and fleeing to elude law enforcement with lights and sirens activated, records show.
Around 8 a.m. Monday, a deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop on a Chevy Malibu that he reportedly saw speeding about 20 mph over the limit in the 2600 block of NW 27th Avenue, the sheriff’s office said on social media.
The Chevy’s driver, Graham, refused to stop, driving away at a “normal” rate of speed before hitting the gas as he neared Interstate 75 on NW Blitchton Road, the post states.
While the Malibu continued for several miles, now at what the sheriff’s office described as a high rate of speed, the pursuing deputy executed multiple PIT maneuvers which at one point — around 4 minutes, 10 seconds into the video — directed the Malibu into oncoming lanes as an approaching vehicle is seen braking to avoid a collision.
As more deputies, Ocala Police Department officers and the sheriff’s office’s Aviation Unit also responded, Graham ultimately turned onto SW Highway 200, came to a stop, and was arrested, the post states.
“Why you running, man?” an officer asked Graham.
“Because I ain’t got no license, that’s it, and I’m clean,” Graham said.
“That’s a ticket!” the officer replied.
Graham was booked at the Marion County Jail on a $5,500 bond which he has since posted, records show.
Watch the full video below: