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By Staff Writer
ALACHUA, Fla. – In the early hours today, Travis James Wheeler, a 22-year-old resident of Gainesville, found himself under arrest in Alachua. He faces drug and firearm charges following an alleged attempt to evade a traffic stop.
The incident unfolded around 12:36 a.m. on April 1. An officer from the Alachua Police Department initiated a traffic stop after spotting a vehicle speeding at 71 mph in a zone restricted to 45 mph along U.S. Hwy 441 heading north. Wheeler, who was driving, reportedly confessed to the speeding infraction and offered an apology.
The officer claimed to detect the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed marijuana “shake” visibly scattered on the center console. Although Wheeler produced a medical marijuana card, the officer noted that his passenger lacked one, and Wheeler himself did not have any current prescriptions, suggesting he should not have had marijuana in his possession during the stop.
Upon the arrival of a second officer, Wheeler allegedly attempted to flee. He reportedly dashed to his vehicle, started it, and appeared ready to drive off, disregarding instructions to remain in front of the patrol car. Despite commands from the second officer to return, Wheeler allegedly continued his efforts to re-enter his vehicle.
Wheeler was reportedly forcibly removed from his vehicle and placed under arrest for resisting an officer without violence.
A probable cause search of his vehicle reportedly produced about 30 grams of marijuana in the back seat and a Glock 26 handgun with an extended magazine in the center console.
Wheeler has been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, and resisting an officer without violence. He has no criminal convictions, but he was arrested in September 2024 for possession of 25 grams of marijuana following a traffic stop; that case can no longer be found in the court system. Judge Adam Lee set bail at $100,000.
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.