A manhunt ended in a neighborhood in The Villages when an unlicensed driver from Guatemala was tased by law enforcement.
A deputy on patrol spotted a black Ford Mustang heading west on Warm Springs Avenue around 7:45 a.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The driver, 21-year-old Gerzon Morel Vail Gomez, had no headlights on despite the fog outside.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop west of the intersection with Marsh Bend Trail. Vail Gomez was questioned about his identity, as was routine, but he gave a false name at first. He then gave his real name and a false birthdate. He also claimed to have a New York driver’s license. He also claimed he did not know his Social Security number, the report said.
He appeared nervous during the conversation, and that, combined with the multiple names and shaky hands, led the deputy to pull out his handcuffs. As Vail Gomez was being detained, he pulled away and tried to run. The deputy went to grab him, and Vail Gomez pushed back, the report said.
They both fell on the ground and wrestled for a few minutes. Vail Gomez continued to pull away, tried to get on top of the deputy and shoved him back down to the ground. He ultimately broke free and started to run southbound, the report said.
Deputies proceeded to search the area but could not find Vail Gomez.
A Community Alert bulletin was posted on Facebook, making nearby residents aware of Vail Gomez’s description and last known location. Readers were asked to call with any information about his whereabouts, and the sheriff’s office received numerous complaints in the Village of DeSoto, the report said.
Law enforcement established a perimeter in the area and found Vail Gomez near the intersection of Billers Circle and Miller Place. After a short chase, he was tased and apprehended. He was medically cleared before being booked at the Sumter County Detention Center, the report said.
Vail Gomez was charged with operating a motor vehicle without valid license, resisting officer with violence, giving false information to law enforcement officer and battery on officer. The native of Guatemala has bond set at $44,500, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a hold on his custody.