By Staff Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have arrested 20-year-old Dennis Paul Cole following allegations of leaving the scene of an accident, driving without a valid license, and evading law enforcement. Cole was also identified as a wanted individual by Gilchrist County.
The incident unfolded around 1 p.m. on May 21 when officers from the Gainesville Police Department responded to a collision in the 3700 block of SW Archer Road. Upon arrival, they discovered that the driver, later identified as Cole, had fled the scene on foot. A passenger in Cole’s vehicle confirmed he was behind the wheel at the time of the crash and had subsequently run away.
Police officers gave chase on foot as Cole reportedly ignored their commands. According to reports, while on the run, Cole was in phone contact with his passenger, informing her that he could see police searching for him.
Cole later admitted to being the driver, stating that the crash occurred because he was not paying attention. He disclosed that he only had a learner’s permit, had never obtained a full driver’s license, and was aware that his permit had been suspended during a previous incarceration.
The officer reported that his learner’s permit was suspended indefinitely in 2024.
Cole has been charged with resisting an officer without violence, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, and driving without a valid license. He is a designated high-risk sexual offender with one violent felony conviction and one non-violent misdemeanor conviction, along with juvenile convictions between 2019 and 2024. He is on probation out of Gilchrist County and is listed as a fugitive on the Florida Department of Corrections website. He has served one state prison sentence and was released in July 2025.
Judge Bo Bayer ordered him held without bail until a “dangerous to the community” hearing is held under the Jessica Lunsford Act.
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.