A man in Charlotte County, Florida, is accused of leading police on a chase following a hit-and-run incident. Allegedly, he would later crash into a patrol car and attempt to avoid being arrested by hiding in the water at a local resort.
According to a press release issued by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the incident occurred at around 10 p.m. on Monday, May 25. At the time, CCSO deputies were informed of a hit-and-run in the District 2 area of Port Charlotte, and were looking for a vehicle.
Moments later, they encountered a black Hyundai SUV, which matched the witnesses’ descriptions of the involved vehicle. Deputies utilized their lights and sirens to conduct a traffic stop.
However, the man, later identified as 30-year-old Norvell Johnson III, allegedly did not stop. He continued along Edgewater Drive while speeding, the CCSO said, and a pursuit followed.
Chase Begins
As per the release, Johnson continued driving into a Walgreens parking lot at the intersection of US 41 and Tamiami Trail. He would then loop behind a McDonald’s and onto Oakley Street.
At that point, deputies shut down their emergency lights and sirens. They had lost sight of Johnson.
However, at the intersection of Church Street, Johnson was spotted once again. Things got dangerous quickly this time around.
Patrol Car Hit, Underwater Hiding
Johnson allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign shortly after turning onto Church Street. As a result, his vehicle collided with a marked patrol car, hitting the passenger side of the vehicle.
Both vehicles became inoperable. Therefore, Johnson allegedly fled on foot. As per the CCSO, there was a juvenile in Johnson’s vehicle.
Deputies responded to the area and set up a perimeter. A tip would lead them to Sunseeker Resort, located on 5500 Sunseeker Way.
Man Arrested and Charged
Upon arrival, deputies noticed a set of footprints leading to a body of water. Shortly after, they spotted Johnson lying in the water, the CCSO said, as he was attempting to hide by submerging himself, except for his face.
He was placed under arrest and transported to a local hospital for clearance. Then, he was booked into the Charlotte County Jail.
Norvell Johnson III is charged with driving with a suspended license, failure to stop after a crash, and child neglect. He is currently being held without bail, as he is a “habitual offender of driving without a license.”