In Gainesville, Florida, a dramatic series of events unfolded yesterday, resulting in the arrest of 36-year-old John Roosevelt Wilson III. Wilson now faces charges tied to both a daring escape attempt and drug-related offenses.

The incident began around 3:38 p.m. on December 15 when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation by failing to stop at a stop sign. The deputy initiated a traffic stop in the 3900 block of SW 24th Avenue. The driver, later identified as Wilson, allegedly resisted stepping out of the vehicle. In a bold move, Wilson reportedly attempted to flee the scene by driving away, prompting the deputy to use a patrol car to block his escape.

Undeterred, Wilson exited his vehicle and made a run for it. In a desperate bid to evade capture, he approached a passing vehicle, persistently tugging on its rear passenger door in an attempt to gain entry. When his attempts proved futile, Wilson climbed onto the vehicle’s roof, clutching the roof racks as the car drove away. The driver of this vehicle, clearly alarmed, raised her hands in a signal of distress and accelerated, likely fearing for her safety.

The tense situation concluded when a deputy deployed a taser, successfully apprehending Wilson. The incident has since drawn attention, highlighting both the unpredictable nature of law enforcement encounters and the swift actions taken by deputies to ensure public safety.

The driver of the passing vehicle put her hands up in the air “in a clear distress signal” and quickly drove away, possibly because she was in fear of being harmed. A deputy deployed a taser to arrest Wilson.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement in an effort to locate the victim: “Deputies are continuing efforts to make contact with the individual involved in the attempted carjacking. We understand this was a frightening experience, and our priority is the safety and well-being of everyone involved. If you were the driver of the vehicle, or if you know who may have been involved, we ask that you contact us to assist with the investigation. You are not in any trouble, and your information may help us fully document this incident. Please call 352-955-1818, option 5.”

A K-9 alerted on the presence of illegal narcotics in Wilson’s vehicle, and a search reportedly produced 17 oxycodone pills, 1.6 grams of crack cocaine, and 3.3 grams of fentanyl powder. The quantities were “far more than a normal user amount and were prepackaged by type and ready for quick distribution,” according to Wilson’s arrest report.

Post Miranda, Wilson reportedly claimed ownership of the drugs and said he had recently purchased them nearby.

Wilson, who has been designated as a Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern, has been charged with unarmed attempted carjacking, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, possession of oxycodone with intent to sell, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, aggravated fleeing, renting a vehicle for the purpose of selling narcotics, and resisting an officer without violence. He has six felony convictions (one violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (non-violent) and has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2023. He is on probation for exploitation of an elderly victim. Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered him held without bail on the attempted carjacking charge, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing. Judge Ramsey set bail at $100,000 on the other charges.

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.