GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol said one person was hurt after a man stole a box truck vehicle and led troopers on a high-speed chase in Gainesville Tuesday morning.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said the box truck was stolen out of the Tampa area and was traveling north in the southbound lanes on I-75 from the Marion County line when they were called in to assist.
The driver — identified as Brandon J. Baker, 34 — had also been involved in an armed carjacking prior to stealing the box truck, the sheriff’s office said.
A video posted by the sheriff’s office showed Baker swerving through lanes and hitting vehicles — including troopers and deputies.
Troopers finally caught the Baker, in Gainesville when he exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
He was quickly taken into custody by FHP and ACSO deputies. He was booked into the Alachua County jail on multiple felony charges with additional charges pending from the Tampa Police Department, the sheriff’s office said.
“Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr. would like to commend the law enforcement officers involved in this incident who were able to stop this dangerous suspect before he seriously injured or killed anyone,” the sheriff’s office said. “You can see just how serious this incident was by watching our video.”