Bell Man Charged After Alleged Late-Night Pursuit in Alachua

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A 48-year-old Bell man was arrested late Saturday night after allegedly fleeing from a responding officer and resisting efforts to remove him from his truck, according to law enforcement reports. The incident began when the Alachua Police Department received a report of a vehicle stationary in the roadway, and a High Springs Police Department officer responded under a mutual aid agreement.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement face in dealing with impaired drivers and individuals who resist arrest, raising concerns about public safety and the need for effective law enforcement response protocols.

The details

When the officer's body-worn camera activated, the driver, identified as Micah Timothy-Wynter Ellsworth, awoke. The officer reported smelling a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage while speaking with Ellsworth. Ellsworth allegedly refused to exit the vehicle, placed the truck in drive, and drove away, leading to a pursuit. Officers eventually removed Ellsworth from the truck and he was charged with fleeing with lights and sirens active, resisting an officer without violence, and driving without a valid license with a previous conviction.

• The incident began at about 10:55 p.m. on Feb. 21.
• The HSPD officer arrived at approximately 11:22 p.m.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Judge James Colaw will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for Micah Timothy-Wynter Ellsworth.