MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Less than a week before Christmas, Marion County deputies managed to catch a wanted man who was speeding along the highway, according to the sheriff’s office.
In a release on Tuesday, deputies said the incident happened on Dec. 20, which is when they learned that the man — identified as Arnaldo Benitez, 34 — was in the area of Highway 441 and Highway 326.
“Benitez was wanted on multiple felony warrants, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, and felony battery,” the release reads. “During prior robberies, Benitez held victims at gunpoint and is also a suspect in another armed robbery where he fired multiple rifle rounds, striking the victim.”
While conducting surveillance, deputies spotted Benitez and tried to pull him over, though he instead fled, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, deputies added.
However, a PIT maneuver was able to bring him to a halt, and Benitez was ultimately taken into custody, the sheriff’s office revealed.
[You can watch the full video of his capture at the top of this story]
Meanwhile, investigators said they found two firearms (one of which was stolen) and methamphetamine in Benitez’s vehicle, “all within easy reach of the driver.” This was despite the fact that Benitez is a convicted felon and was legally prohibited from owning guns.
In addition to his outstanding warrants, Benitez now faces charges of aggravated fleeing, firearm possession by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, and driving with a suspended/revoked license.
“Outstanding teamwork by all involved in removing this violent offender from our streets and safely getting him into jail where he belongs,” the release concludes.