SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A man accused of intentionally ramming a woman’s vehicle and sending her threatening messages was arrested Sunday night following a chase that stretched from Bradenton to Tampa, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies identified the suspect as Randall David Woodson III, 31, of Bradenton.
Investigators said detectives spoke with Woodson shortly after the alleged aggravated assault. During that conversation, Woodson told detectives he was armed and would not go back to jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
Just before 10 p.m., deputies located Woodson’s vehicle in the 1100 block of Ninth Street West in Bradenton. He drove away, deputies said.
Woodson then caused a crash nearby at Sixth Avenue and Ninth Street West, authorities said. The MCSO Aviation Unit responded and tracked him from above as he drove over the Green Bridge, through Pinellas County and into Hillsborough County.
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Logan spotted Woodson’s silver Hyundai sedan, bearing Florida license plate SPVI68, traveling east on the Gandy Bridge and attempted a traffic stop. Woodson fled, according to the arrest report. The sedan continued east on Gandy Boulevard at speeds above 100 mph before turning south onto Manhattan Avenue, running several red lights, according to the report.
The sedan failed to negotiate a curve and struck a road sign, then continued onto a gravel road before colliding into a gate and fence, disabling the vehicle, according to the arrest report. Woodson exited the sedan and fled on foot into a wooded area.
Trooper Logan and Trooper Thorsen cleared the sedan and observed a semi-automatic rifle on the front passenger seat, according to the report. An MCSO K9 unit located Woodson, and he was taken into custody without further incident, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies said narcotics were also found in the vehicle.
Woodson was transported to a hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the Hillsborough County Jail, according to the arrest report.
Woodson faces multiple charges, including fleeing to elude at high speed, reckless driving with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, possession of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm. Additional charges are pending, according to the sheriff’s office.
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