A Sumter County deputy was attempting to take a man into custody on active warrants during a traffic stop Wednesday when the driver allegedly rammed the deputy and a patrol vehicle before speeding off. The deputy was not hurt, and the suspect, identified as 34-year-old John Riehm, was arrested Thursday, October 1, at Wildwood RV Village.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, Riehm was arrested Thursday, October 1, at Wildwood RV Village following the encounter. Investigators say he was last seen in the Wildwood area, according to WESH, which reported that the deputy had been trying to take him into custody on existing warrants when the confrontation turned violent.
The sheriff's office said Riehm hit both the deputy and the deputy's cruiser with his vehicle before fleeing the scene, per the same report. Despite the collision, authorities confirmed the deputy walked away uninjured.
Charges Pile Up as Search Continues
Riehm now faces a lengthy list of charges stemming from Wednesday's incident. The outlet reported he faces aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting with violence, use of a deadly weapon on a law enforcement K-9, and possession of methamphetamine or drug paraphernalia.
Riehm was arrested Thursday, October 1, at Wildwood RV Village.
Pattern of Dangerous Flights From Sumter Deputies
This is not the first time this year that someone fleeing a Sumter County traffic stop has put others at risk. In August, a man fleeing deputies sideswiped two vehicles before crashing head-on into a public school bus carrying 19 students, according to a separate report from clickorlando.com. None of the children aboard that bus were hurt, but the incident underscored how quickly these pursuits can escalate beyond the original traffic stop.
Riehm was arrested Thursday, October 1, at Wildwood RV Village.
