KEY LARGO, Fla. — Several people were taken into custody Monday following a chase in the Florida Keys that started with an unlicensed contracting investigation.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, three people were arrested after fleeing deputies in the upper Keys.
In video obtained by Local 10 News, a white truck can be seen driving the wrong way along the 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1.
Deputies said Butch Anthony Stevens, 46, was behind the wheel.
MCSO said the chase came to an end after the truck was stuck by tire spikes in the Gilbert’s Resort & Marina parking lot at 107900 Overseas Highway.
Two others were inside the truck along with Stevens and all three were arrested.
Deputies said they charged Denise Michelle Bennett, 44, with resisting arrest and obstruction, and it was noted that Stevens and Bennett tried to run away.
Deputies noted Stevens pretended he had been fishing when he was arrested.
Also arrested was 19-year-old Jonathan Mitchell. He was arrested on charges of fleeing and eluding, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
Authorities said it all began as MCSO deputies helped state investigators with an unlicensed contracting investigation at around 11 a.m. in Islamorada.
Deputies said the trio got into a vehicle and took off on U.S. 1, leading them on the chase.
Stevens faces a lengthy list of charges, from fleeing and eluding to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He also has multiple out-of-county warrants for unlicensed contracting and other related crimes.
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