- A 53-year-old convicted felon named Victor Van Der Linde was arrested after a high-speed pursuit across Levy and Alachua Counties involving reckless driving and a hit-and-run.
- Law enforcement used a PIT maneuver and deployed K-9 Duko to end the chase; Van Der Linde faced multiple charges including aggravated assault and fleeing police.
A multi-agency law enforcement response Wednesday morning resulted in the arrest of a 53-year-old convicted felon following a high-speed pursuit that began in Levy County and continued into Alachua County.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s (ACSO) release, ACSO was notified at approximately 8:20 a.m. that a light blue SUV involved in a pursuit originating in Levy County was approaching Alachua County on State Road 45. Initial information indicated the vehicle had been involved in a hit-and-run crash with a law enforcement vehicle and was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
ACSO deputies located the vehicle in the 15600 block of SW Archer Road. Deputies observed the SUV traveling at a high rate of speed and passing multiple vehicles before initiating a pursuit.
The driver, identified as 53-year-old Victor Van Der Linde, continued fleeing, disregarding traffic control devices and driving in a manner that endangered other motorists, according to the ACSO.
Court records indicate Van Der Linde has previous felony convictions, including trafficking methamphetamine, robbery, grand theft and narcotics-related offenses. He was released from the Florida Department of Corrections approximately two months ago.
During the pursuit, Van Der Linde allegedly drove toward a pursuing deputy’s marked patrol vehicle in an apparent attempt to strike it head-on. He then drove east in the westbound lanes of SW Archer Road for more than two miles, allegedly attempting to strike several motorists head-on.
During the pursuit, Van Der Linde’s vehicle collided with a civilian vehicle before continuing north on SW 45th Street toward Celebration Pointe. The SUV drove over curbs and onto grassy areas before returning to the roadway. The pursuit continued onto SW Williston Road as the vehicle traveled back toward Levy County.
To safely end the pursuit, deputies performed a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, making contact with the suspect vehicle. The SUV came to a stop in a wooded area near the 4200 block of SW Williston Road.
After the vehicle stopped, Van Der Linde refused repeated lawful commands to exit, according to ACSO. Deputies warned him that a K-9 would be deployed if he continued to resist.
When Van Der Linde failed to comply, K-9 Duko was deployed. During the apprehension, Van Der Linde allegedly grabbed the K-9 and attempted to choke him. Deputies took Van Der Linde into custody.
Van Der Linde was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Following medical clearance, he will be transported to the Alachua County Jail.
Van Der Linde was charged with aggravated assault on specified personnel, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, battery on a law enforcement K-9, resisting without violence, reckless driving causing damage to a person or property, hit-and-run, operating a vehicle 100 mph or more while threatening persons or property, and violating driver license restrictions.
ACSO said it was grateful that no members of the public, deputies or K-9 Duko were injured during the incident. They also credited its law enforcement partners for their coordinated efforts in bringing the pursuit to a safe conclusion, including the Williston Police Department, Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and Gainesville Police Department.