Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Davonte Lamont Sutton, 27, of Detroit, Mich., was arrested early this morning and charged with fleeing, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony after allegedly fleeing from Columbia County deputies at speeds over 120 mph on I-75.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office told Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) that a deputy was dispatched to a convenience store in Ellisville for a shoplifting incident. While en route, the deputy was informed that the suspect had left that store and was at a truck stop. The deputy reported that he found the white Dodge Durango parked near the store, and as he stepped out of his vehicle, the driver, later identified as Sutton, drove up to him, rolled down the window, then sped away. The deputy followed with his lights and sirens activated, but Sutton did not pull over and eventually got on I-75 southbound toward Alachua County.

The deputy reported that the Durango reached speeds “up to 135 mph” and was “recklessly weaving in and out of traffic,” narrowly missing multiple accidents. The deputy’s report continues, “Regrettably, due to the unavailability of assistance from ASO and the deterioration of radio reception, it became necessary to terminate the pursuit.”

The ASO narrative states that the office was notified about the pursuit, but “ACSO never assisted with this pursuit.” At one point, the Durango reportedly passed an ASO deputy on I-75 who did not join in the pursuit, although that deputy reported that the Durango did not have its lights on.

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ASO deputies were working an unrelated case in Westgate Manor Mobile Home Park at about 12:15 a.m. when the Durango passed a deputy with its lights off. The deputy reported that he made eye contact with the driver and followed the Durango within the complex, eventually activating his lights and sirens. At that point, Sutton allegedly put the vehicle in reverse and tried to flee again. Deputies boxed in the Durango and told Sutton to roll the window down and place his hands outside, but after Sutton placed his hands outside, he put them back inside the vehicle several times. He was ordered out of the car and detained.

A probable cause search of the Durango reportedly produced 106.5 grams of marijuana and a Glock handgun with an extended magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition. Sutton reportedly had another magazine on his person.

Post Miranda, Sutton reportedly admitted to fleeing from Columbia County and said he was driving at 120 mph on I-75 and would have gone faster except that the car wouldn’t go any faster.

Sutton has no local criminal history; full criminal histories and bail information are unavailable on weekends.

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.