OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala police officers engaged in a car chase and then foot pursuit after spotting a stolen car.
The pursuit took place in downtown Ocala on Tuesday around 10:30 a.m., when an officer on patrol pulled up to an intersection and spotted a vehicle matching the description of one reported stolen out of Hillsborough County.
The Ocala Police Department (OPD) says when the officer approached the vehicle, the driver, 32-year-old Andre Parker, took off.
The officer chased the driver, capturing the pursuit on his patrol car’s dash cam which the department posted to Facebook.
After a few twists and turns, OPD says the pursuit was called off for safety reasons near the intersection of SW 10th Street and South Pine Avenue.
Moments later, an OPD captain in an unmarked vehicle saw the stolen car traveling north on South Pine Avenue.
Street surveillance footage captured the captain in his unmarked SUV, keeping his distance while maintaining sight of the vehicle.
Footage then captured the men as they abandoned the car in an alley behind Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill located on the square in downtown.
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Police say they then observed two subjects walking near the vehicle and ended up having to chase the one on foot.
In the video, you’ll see the officer from the unmarked vehicle, fully donned in a dress shirt, tie and khakis, catch up with the guy, tackle and then cuff him.
Another man was arrested a few blocks down the road. Police were not able to find the third guy.
Andre Parker faces multiple charges, including:
- Grand Theft Auto
- Fleeing and Eluding
- Possession of Crack Cocaine
- Driving While License is Suspended/Revoked
Demario Smith was charged with resisting arrest without violence.
Both Parker and Smith have been booked into the Marion County Jail.
Parker’s bond is set at a $44,000 between all six charges (4 felonies, 2 misdemeanors).
Smith’s bond is set at $5,000 for his misdemeanor charge.