By Staff Report

ALACHUA, Fla. – In the early hours of the morning, law enforcement officers arrested 22-year-old Travis James Wheeler from Gainesville on charges related to drugs and firearms after an alleged attempt to evade a traffic stop in Alachua.

The incident unfolded around 12:36 a.m. on April 1, when an officer from the Alachua Police Department pulled over a vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 441. The car was clocked at 71 mph in a zone limited to 45 mph. Wheeler, who was driving, reportedly admitted to speeding and expressed regret for his actions.

During the stop, the officer detected the scent of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed marijuana “shake” visibly scattered on the center console. Although Wheeler produced a medical marijuana card, it was noted that his passenger lacked one, and Wheeler himself did not have any current prescriptions for marijuana use, raising questions about the legality of possessing it at that time.

As a second officer arrived at the scene, Wheeler allegedly attempted to flee by returning to his vehicle. He reportedly started the engine and placed his hand on the gear shifter, suggesting an intention to escape. Despite the second officer’s commands to step away from the vehicle, Wheeler allegedly disregarded these instructions, moving quickly to re-enter his car.

Authorities forcibly removed Wheeler from the vehicle, subsequently arresting him on charges of resisting an officer without violence.

A probable cause search of his vehicle reportedly produced about 30 grams of marijuana in the back seat and a Glock 26 handgun with an extended magazine in the center console.

Wheeler has been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, and resisting an officer without violence. He has no criminal convictions, but he was arrested in September 2024 for possession of 25 grams of marijuana following a traffic stop; that case can no longer be found in the court system. Judge Adam Lee set bail at $100,000.

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.