Gilchrist County Man Arrested After Months-Long Manhunt

Jeffery Long was wanted for fleeing a December traffic stop and possessing firearms and methamphetamine.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Gilchrist County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a 45-year-old Bell, Florida man named Jeffery Long, who was wanted for several months following a December traffic stop where deputies found firearms and methamphetamine in his vehicle. Long fled the scene at the time and was the subject of an extensive multi-agency investigation.

Why it matters

The arrest of Jeffery Long brings an end to a months-long manhunt involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Long's alleged possession of firearms and drugs, as well as his threat to shoot at officers if they tried to arrest him, raised significant public safety concerns in the rural Gilchrist County area.

The details

In December, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Jeffery Long's vehicle and found firearms and methamphetamine inside. Long then fled the scene, prompting an intensive investigation by the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office with assistance from other state and local agencies. Investigators learned that Long had stated he would shoot at law enforcement if they attempted to apprehend him.

  • In December, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Jeffery Long's vehicle.
  • On March 16, 2026, Gilchrist County Sheriff's deputies arrested Jeffery Long.

The players

Jeffery Long

A 45-year-old man from Bell, Florida who was wanted by authorities for several months following a December traffic stop where deputies found firearms and methamphetamine in his vehicle.

Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that led the investigation and manhunt for Jeffery Long, with assistance from other state and local agencies.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to endanger our communities by fleeing law enforcement and possessing illegal weapons and drugs.”

— Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Gilchrist County Sheriff

What’s next

Long will remain in custody and face charges related to the December traffic stop, as well as outstanding warrants in a neighboring county.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the commitment of local law enforcement to pursue and apprehend dangerous suspects, even if it requires a lengthy multi-agency investigation and manhunt to bring them to justice and protect public safety.