A 13-time convicted felon was recently arrested again after fleeing a Central Florida traffic stop.
Deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stopped a black 2008 BMW near Taylor Road and Vatican Road in Thonotosassa because the tinted windows appeared to be less than the legal limit.
According to local law enforcement, when approaching the driver, 48-year-old James Freeman, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana. Deputies issued many demands for Freeman to exit the vehicle, but he refused and fled at high speed.
At the time of the traffic stop, Freeman was on bond for two counts of first-degree murder resulting from the unlawful distribution of fentanyl.
A warrant for the crime of fleeing to elude was issued. Deputies eventually found Freeman in a gray Nissan vehicle at 8425 Radio Lane in Tampa.
Freeman was detained on counts of fleeing to elude at high speed, resisting an officer without violence, possessing cannabis sativa resin, and felony possession of a firearm.
“This is a violent felon, out on bond for two murder charges, caught with a gun. That alone is alarming,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “It’s because of the vigilance and determination of our deputies that this dangerous criminal is back in custody. Their swift action prevented a potentially volatile situation from becoming something far worse.”
