Pursuit leads to drug and weapons arrest

William Wilkinson was charged with resisting arrest without violence. Caleb Sanders, who is currently on state probation, will face multiple additional charges, including Fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine, possession of Xanax, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On October 15, a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy attempted to stop a Chrysler 200 with Alabama tags on Highway 81.

The vehicle failed to stop, initiating a pursuit that led south on Highway 81 into Walton County, reaching speeds over 100 mph and involving reckless driving through multiple backroads.

The pursuit continued onto Rock Hill Road, where Walton County Deputies successfully deployed spike strips. The vehicle then turned south on Highway 331, ran into a ditch, and the occupants fled on foot onto military property.

HCSO deputies apprehended the passenger, identified as William Wilkinson, who was taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest without violence.

The driver, identified as Caleb Sanders, fled on foot, dropping an AR-15-style rifle during his escape. A search of the vehicle revealed a red backpack containing suspected methamphetamine, Xanax, and two additional handguns.

Walton and Okaloosa K9 teams responded and began tracking Sanders. On the morning of October 16, Walton County Deputies were able to locate Sanders walking down C-6 and took him into custody.

Both suspects were booked into the Walton County Jail and will be extradited back to Holmes County.