Crime & Safety
Hernando County, FL K9 Tracks Down Motorcyclist After Crash
Weeki Wachee, FL – A motorcycle rider who allegedly fled an attempted traffic stop in Hernando County was later found hiding in the woods after crashing his motorcycle, with a sheriff's K9 helping dep
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-27T17:15:43.978Z
Weeki Wachee, FL – A motorcycle rider who allegedly fled an attempted traffic stop in Hernando County was later found hiding in the woods after crashing his motorcycle, with a sheriff's K9 helping deputies track him down.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff 's Office, the incident occurred Saturday, Oct. 10, when K9 Deputy Barlow attempted to stop a black motorcycle traveling southbound on Commercial Way in Weeki Wachee.
Deputies reported that the motorcycle had no license plate attached and that the rider accelerated away at a high rate of speed rather than stopping.
For safety reasons, Deputy Barlow did not pursue the motorcycle.
The situation took another turn when Deputy Cianfarani later located the motorcycle crashed and abandoned along St. Andrews Boulevard.
With assistance from K9 Kylo, deputies began tracking the motorcycle's operator through nearby wooded terrain.
The search led deputies to William Hargis, who was allegedly hiding near a tree after leaving the crash scene.
Hargis was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the motorcycle crash.
Investigators subsequently determined that Hargis had a revoked driver's license and did not possess the required motorcycle endorsement, according to the sheriff's office.
Following medical treatment, Hargis was arrested and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center.
The sheriff's office said he faces charges related to fleeing and eluding law enforcement and operating a vehicle with a revoked driver's license.
The incident highlights the role of law enforcement K9 teams in locating individuals who leave crash scenes or attempt to evade deputies on foot.
Authorities did not provide additional details about Hargis' injuries, the motorcycle's speed or what caused the crash.
The sheriff's office publicized the incident Tuesday, Oct. 27, more than two weeks after the arrest.
The charges are allegations, and Hargis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.