A traffic stop on Wednesday turned into a foot chase and arrest for Alachua County Sheriff’s personnel after a wanted suspect crashed into another motorist and fled into the woods off SW Williston Road.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) release, the ACSO Criminal Investigations Division, Drug Task Force and the FOCUS unit were alerted to a vehicle that was in Alachua County that was believed to be occupied by a wanted suspect named Trever Strawder, 26.
Strawder was potentially armed and suspected of being involved with recent violent crimes outside Alachua County.
ACSO detective Clayton Litzkow initiated the traffic stop of a Nissan Altima, believed to be driven by Strawder, for a traffic violation on Wednesday afternoon in the 3300 block of SW Williston Road. The Nissan initially came to a stop, but the driver took off when Litzkow approached the vehicle. The Nissan then collided with another motorist and continued to flee.
Responding ACSO units attempted a tactical maneuver to stop the Nissan, but the suspect rammed into one of the ACSO vehicles, disabling Strawder’s car. The suspect then fled the Nissan from the passenger side and fled into a nearby wooded area on foot.
ACSO personnel chased Strawder, giving multiple commands for the suspect to stop. Strawder was eventually apprehended by an ASCO K-9.
Strawder holds three active arrest warrants that include two for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one for battery on specified personnel. He also did not have a valid driver’s license.
ACSO deputies recovered a bag Strawder had on his person during the arrest, which contained items related to ongoing criminal investigations tied to the suspect.
Strawder was charged with fleeing and eluding, resisting without violence, driving while license suspended/revoked, leaving the scene of a crash, and the three active warrants. Additional charges are expected, according to the release. He has a previous prison sentence in Florida for robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and battery on law enforcement.
Gainesville Police Department personnel also assisted with Strawder’s apprehension.