Press release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Earlier this evening, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO)received information from the Florida Highway Patrol that FHP Troopers were behind a vehicle believed to be driven by a subject wanted for Homicide out of another jurisdiction and that the vehicle was entering Alachua County from Columbia County on I-75.

Multiple ASO Deputies responded to I-75 to assist. ASO Deputies blocked exit ramps and stationed themselves along the roadway with stop sticks. During this incident, ASO Deputies were able to successfully deploy stop sticks ahead of the suspect vehicle, and when the vehicle attempted to flee, a PIT maneuver was conducted that caused the vehicle to become disabled in between NW 39th Ave and Newberry Road while remaining on I-75.

Deputies were unable to make verbal or physical contact with the driver, so the ACSO SWAT Team was activated. The SWAT Team responded to the scene, where a specialized armored vehicle was utilized to allow team members and medical personnel to safely approach, and it was determined that the subject inside was deceased.

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At this time, it appears that the subject inside of the vehicle took his own life, but all investigation into the subject operating the vehicle and his subsequent death will be conducted by investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol.

ACSO Crime Scene Investigators will assist FHP with processing the scene.

Sheriff Watson is thankful that none of our Deputies, Troopers, or any other Law Enforcement partners were injured during this critical incident.

Any information related to the suspect vehicle or occupant of the vehicle should be directed to the Florida Highway Patrol.