Manhunt shuts down I-75 near Alachua

Marandoe Acell Lamar Young mug

Update: Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that law enforcement had apprehended the suspect and reopened both southbound and northbound traffic on I-75 just before 5 p.m. 

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office reported that the man, Georgia resident Marandoe Acell Lamar Young, 21, was in possession of “a significant amount of cannabis and a firearm which he discharged during the foot pursuit.” 

Young faces charges of eluding law enforcement, possession of cannabis, and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. He is being held without bail. 

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Our original story: 

I-75 shut down for hours on Thursday after a Columbia County traffic stop turned into a high-speed chase, a shooting incident and a manhunt in north Alachua County. 

The saga began when Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) attempted to stop a male driver for speeding in Columbia County. The man then fled south into Alachua County, crossing the county line at 12:02 p.m., according to Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) spokesperson Kaley Behl. 

FHP executed a pit maneuver to neutralize the vehicle, Behl said, but the man fled on foot. Pursuing officers reported hearing a gunshot, although they did not see a gun and could not verify where the shot came from. 

“We are moving forward as if he’s armed,” Behl said. 

At least six law enforcement agencies are participating in the manhunt, using a helicopter, drones and canine units. 

“[People] should call 911 and let us know if they see anything suspicious in the area,” Behl said, noting the ACSO sent out reverse 911 calls to alert people inside the perimeter investigators have established. “If they’re in the area, they should stay in their homes and make sure they don’t go outside.”

The incident occurred on I-75 near mile marker 406 north of the High Springs 404 exit. FHP advised motorists to use alternate routes until further notice. Drivers reported clogged roadways all over the area throughout the afternoon. 

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