Staff report

NEWBERRY, Fla. – Lawrence James Anderson, 42, of High Springs, was arrested yesterday after an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy driving behind him found out that the vehicle had been reported stolen.

At about 6:48 p.m. on November 21, the deputy was driving in the 15500 block of West Newberry Road and conducted a records check on the tag of the vehicle in front of him. Learning that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Levy County on October 27, the deputy conducted a traffic stop. The deputy noted that Anderson was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle and identified him with his Florida identification card.

Post Miranda, Anderson reportedly said the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend, who was in the hospital, and that she had given him permission to drive it. He reportedly said his girlfriend purchased the vehicle about two months ago from an unknown man and that his girlfriend would corroborate his story.

The deputy reported that he called Anderson’s girlfriend, who said Anderson took her to a location in Levy County to get the vehicle and told her he got it from a woman named Elizabeth. The deputy noted that the owner of the car is named Elizabeth. Anderson’s girlfriend reportedly said she was unaware that the vehicle was stolen and had been driving it for about two weeks.

The deputy reported that Levy County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim wanted to pursue a grand theft charge and that there were no known suspects in the case.

Anderson has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and a second or subsequent offense of driving with a suspended license; the deputy noted that he has at least six prior convictions for driving with a suspended license. Anderson has four felony convictions (none violent) and eight misdemeanor convictions (none violent). He has two Notices to Appear in Gilchrist County, one for driving with a suspended license and one for felony drug charges. Judge Kristine Van Vorst set bail at $35,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.