A late-night bicycle ride through Summerfield came to an abrupt stop after deputies say a man tried to turn a routine traffic stop into what may have been Marion County’s shortest bicycle pursuit.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy attempted to stop James George Yeager III, 33, at about 11:30 p.m. Monday after spotting him riding a bicycle south on SE 95th Court without lights. When the deputy requested identification, Yeager allegedly hopped back on the bicycle and pedaled away.
Deputies said the impromptu Tour de Summerfield lasted about two blocks before Yeager fell from the bicycle near SE 96th Terrace and SE 164th Place. He then allegedly continued the getaway attempt on foot, but only for a short distance before deputies caught up with him.
According to the arrest affidavit, Yeager told deputies he ran because he knew he had an active warrant. During a search following the arrest, deputies reported finding drug paraphernalia containing residue that field-tested positive for fentanyl. Records also showed Yeager had an active Sumter County warrant for possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Yeager was arrested on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, resisting an officer without violence, possession of drug paraphernalia and the outstanding warrant. He was transported to the Marion County Jail without further incident.
