DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. — DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) confirms a fugitive is in custody after he crashed into a detective's patrol car Tuesday night.
DCSO and other law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at North Manatee Avenue where they found Ryan Lee Pope hiding behind a make-shift wall in the house.
Pope now faces charges including aggravated battery, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing to elude, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Pope is now in custody in the DeSoto County Jail. Sheriff Potter wants to thank all the cooperation and assistance from the hard-working men and women from law enforcement agencies that assisted our agency through our search efforts.
Sheriff Potter is grateful to inform you that our deputy has been released from the hospital and was able to avoid any serious injuries.
"Thank you to all citizens of our community for keeping our law enforcement deputies in your prayers as they continue to serve and protect us every day," said Sheriff Potter.
Last night DCSO Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop, which led to Pope intentionally ramming into a detective’s patrol vehicle and fleeing from the scene.
Pope eventually crashed the car at NW County Road 661 & NW Coker Street and likely continued on foot.
Pope was previously released on bond for aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing from law enforcement, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Ryan Lee Pope could face additional charges from the search warrant executed this afternoon. We will continue to update you as the investigation continues.
