Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – John Roosevelt Wilson III, age 36, found himself in police custody on charges related to attempting to elude law enforcement and drug distribution after a dramatic encounter with deputies yesterday.

The incident unfolded around 3:38 p.m. on December 15, when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a vehicle disregarding a stop sign along the 3900 block of SW 24th Avenue. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, identifying the driver as Wilson, who reportedly refused to exit the vehicle. At one point, Wilson allegedly attempted to escape by driving off, but his efforts were thwarted by a patrol car blocking his path.

In a bid to evade capture, Wilson allegedly exited his vehicle and attempted to commandeer a nearby passing car. Witnesses recount that he aggressively tugged at the rear passenger door, trying to force entry. Failing in this attempt, Wilson is said to have climbed onto the car’s roof, clinging to its racks.

The driver of the passing car, visibly alarmed, signaled distress by raising her hands before quickly speeding away, seemingly out of fear for her safety. Officers managed to subdue Wilson using a taser, bringing the chaotic scene to an end.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public appeal to locate the driver involved in the attempted carjacking. “Deputies are actively seeking to contact the individual affected by this incident. We recognize the distress this situation may have caused, and we prioritize ensuring the safety and well-being of all parties involved. If you were the driver or have any information about the incident, please reach out to us. Your cooperation is crucial for our investigation, and you are not in any trouble. Please contact us at 352-955-1818, option 5,” stated the Sheriff’s Office.

A K-9 alerted on the presence of illegal narcotics in Wilson’s vehicle, and a search reportedly produced 17 oxycodone pills, 1.6 grams of crack cocaine, and 3.3 grams of fentanyl powder. The quantities were “far more than a normal user amount and were prepackaged by type and ready for quick distribution,” according to Wilson’s arrest report.

Post Miranda, Wilson reportedly claimed ownership of the drugs and said he had recently purchased them nearby.

Wilson, who has been designated as a Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern, has been charged with unarmed attempted carjacking, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, possession of oxycodone with intent to sell, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, aggravated fleeing, renting a vehicle for the purpose of selling narcotics, and resisting an officer without violence. He has six felony convictions (one violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (non-violent) and has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2023. He is on probation for exploitation of an elderly victim. Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered him held without bail on the attempted carjacking charge, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing. Judge Ramsey set bail at $100,000 on the other charges.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.