ISLAMORADA, Fla. — A 28-year-old Ohio man wanted on warrants in his home state was arrested Friday after deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said he fled from a traffic stop in an SUV, drove recklessly through a grocery store parking lot and later ran through businesses and homes before jumping into Gulfside water in an attempt to escape.
Jail records show Brandon Lee May, of East Liberty, Ohio, faces multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding while endangering pedestrians, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon during the commission of a felony, armed burglary, grand theft, resisting arrest with and without violence and driving with a suspended license.
Deputies said a passenger, Anthony Shane Morris, 28, of Islamorada, was also arrested in the case on a charge of accessory after the fact.
Authorities said they received reports of a reckless driver shortly after 12:30 p.m. Friday near Mile Marker 83 in Islamorada. They said a MCSO deputy attempted to stop May who was driving a Dodge SUV after it was recorded traveling 63 mph in a 45-mph zone.
Deputies said instead of stopping, May accelerated and entered a Publix parking lot, where deputies said he continued to “drive recklessly, endangering pedestrians.”
They said May eventually abandoned the SUV and ran from the area on foot. Morris remained in the vehicle and moved into the driver’s seat, MCSO officials said.
They said May ran toward a plumbing business and tried unsuccessfully to get inside. He then went to a nearby home, where investigators said he took a fire extinguisher, pulled its pin and continued fleeing.
The chase continued across Avocado Street, where May jumped a fence and entered another residence before eventually entering the Gulfside water, according to investigators.
Deputies said they used a Taser after multiple attempts and were able to take May into custody. They said he continued to resist by pulling away and kicking them.
The resistance reportedly continued after he was taken to Baptist Health Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, according to MCSO.
May was later transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital for treatment of a broken wrist. He remained at the hospital Saturday morning under MCSO custody.
During the investigation, deputies found two handguns inside the Dodge SUV, authorities said.
They said Morris initially gave deputies an incorrect identification for the driver but later provided information identifying May. Morris told investigators the two men had met about five days earlier.
Authorities confirmed that May is also wanted in Ohio on warrants related to robbery, battery by strangulation and a probation violation.
No life-threatening injuries were reported in connection with Friday’s incident.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
