High-speed pursuit leads to arrest and drug seizure 

Reaching speeds of 115mph, a Holmes County Resident took authorities on a high speed chase leading to his arrest.

A Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy attempted to stop a Toyota SUV with no tag in Ponce de Leon, January 4. The vehicle refused to stop, prompting a pursuit.

According to HCSO, the suspect fled westbound on Interstate 10, reaching speeds in excess of 115 mph. The pursuit continued into Walton County, where a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper joined and took over the lead.

“As the suspect approached the 70-mile marker, Walton County deputies successfully deployed spike strips.” stated in a press release from HCSO “The vehicle exited the interstate, headed north on Highway 285, and then turned back east on Highway 90. An FHP trooper executed a PIT maneuver, forcing the suspect onto a dead-end street.”

The driver, later identified as Jerry Blackshear, attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended after a brief chase. A large amount of methamphetamine was found on Blackshear’s person.

Blackshear faces multiple charges in Walton County and will later be extradited to Holmes County to face additional charges.

Sheriff John Tate extended his gratitude in the press release, thanking the Florida Highway Patrol and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in safely resolving the incident.