- A 53-year-old convicted felon named Victor Van Der Linde was arrested after a high-speed pursuit across Levy and Alachua Counties involving reckless driving and a hit-and-run.
- Law enforcement used a PIT maneuver and deployed K-9 Duko to end the chase; Van Der Linde faced multiple charges including aggravated assault and fleeing police.
A multi-agency law enforcement response Wednesday morning resulted in the arrest of a 53-year-old convicted felon following a high-speed pursuit that began in Levy County and continued into Alachua County.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s (ACSO) release, ACSO was notified at approximately 8:20 a.m. that a light blue SUV involved in a pursuit originating in Levy County was approaching Alachua County on State Road 45. Initial information indicated the vehicle had been involved in a hit-and-run crash with a law enforcement vehicle and was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
ACSO deputies located the vehicle in the 15600 block of SW Archer Road. Deputies observed the SUV traveling at a high rate of speed and passing multiple vehicles before initiating a pursuit.
The driver, identified as 53-year-old Victor Van Der Linde, continued fleeing, disregarding traffic control devices and driving in a manner that endangered other motorists, according to the ACSO…