A Belleview man was arrested Sunday after deputies say a routine speeding stop turned into a short pursuit, complete with a backseat passenger allegedly tossing a large quantity of fentanyl pills out the window along the way.
According to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit, Cpl. B. Bowman was conducting traffic enforcement in the 2500 block of SE Highway 484 shortly after 10 a.m. Aug. 16 when he clocked a gray Mazda SUV traveling 73 mph in a posted 55 mph zone.
The driver, identified as 25-year-old K’hn Semaj Oliver of Belleview, initially pulled into the center turn lane and nearly came to a stop after Bowman activated his emergency lights.
Then, according to the report, he changed his mind.
Deputies say Oliver pulled back onto the roadway and accelerated, prompting Bowman to activate his siren. About a half-mile later, near SE 36th Avenue, a backseat passenger allegedly threw a large quantity of fentanyl pills from the passenger-side window.
The SUV continued eastbound before turning onto SE 135th Lane, where it abruptly stopped. The backseat passenger reportedly bailed out and ran, while Oliver exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. The affidavit does not identify the passenger or say whether that person was later caught.
A records check showed Oliver’s Florida driver’s license was suspended, with several suspensions listed in the affidavit and a previous 2021 conviction for driving while license suspended. Investigators say Oliver later told deputies he did not stop because the passenger in the back seat told him not to.
Oliver was charged with fleeing or eluding law enforcement with lights and siren activated, a felony, and driving while license suspended or revoked as a second or subsequent offense. His listed bonds totaled $3,000.
He was transported to the Marion County Jail.
