A Monticello, FL man was arrested yesterday afternoon after leading LEO on a UTV pursuit.
On February 14th at approximately 4:30pm, WCSO deputies were patrolling the area of Caroline Dr. near Greenhead, FL. Deputies observed a small blue UTV traveling towards them and signaled for the driver to stop.
The driver who was later identified as 44-year-old, Andy Joe Tipton looked at the deputy and continued traveling. Tipton made a U-turn and accelerated the UTV as he continued past the deputy for the second time.
The pursuit ensued but due to road conditions was canceled. With other WCSO deputies in the area, Tipton was observed traveling east bound on Carter Circle a little later and the pursuit continued with Tipton almost colliding with a deputy. A short time later, Tipton was located in the Water Management District and taken into custody.
Deputies were investigating Tipton’s path and located a firearm in the management area. This is an area that is not normally traveled but Tipton’s UTV tracks were observed within three feet of the gun.
A check of Tipton’s information through WCSO’s Telecommunications Center revealed he had an active warrant out of Marion County for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Tipton was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail on charges of possession of a weapon by a convicted FL felon and resisting an officer; flee elude LEO with lights and sirens.
