ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. — A man is in Alachua County jail after firing a gun following an attempted traffic stop Thursday.
Sgt. Steven Khachigan, the PIO for Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, says around noon, deputies tried to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-75.
However, he says that the vehicle fled the traffic stop. Deputies reportedly gave chase and ultimately used a spike strip to slow the vehicle down.
Khachigan says when the vehicle crossed into Alachua County, deputies used a pit maneuver to stop the car and end the pursuit.
The person then fled on foot and deputies chased him, Khachigan says. At some point, deputies say the person went into a wooded area, where deputies heard one gunshot.
Deputies confirmed they were later able to apprehend the suspect, who they identified as 21-year-old Marandoe Acell Lamar Young.
Investigation revealed Young was in possession of a significant amount of cannabis and a firearm which he discharged while running away from deputies.
Young will be charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement, possession of cannabis with intent to distribute and three counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, deputies say.
Young will also be treated for his injuries sustained during the K-9 apprehension before being taken to the Alachua County Jail.
RELATED: Judge dismisses petition by Florida school boards to overturn mask, quarantine rules for schools