Alachua County, FL – A routine traffic stop in Alachua County Monday afternoon escalated into an attempted carjacking and a major drug seizure, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies assigned to the FOCUS Division attempted to stop a black Mercedes for a traffic infraction in the 3900 block of Southwest 24th Avenue on Monday, December 15, 2025. The driver, identified as 36-year-old John Wilson, allegedly refused multiple lawful commands to exit the vehicle.
Deputies say Wilson attempted to flee by driving forward but was blocked when another deputy positioned a patrol vehicle in front of him. Investigators report Wilson then exited his car and approached another vehicle that was actively traveling on the roadway, allegedly attempting to open its doors in an effort to gain entry.
When unsuccessful, deputies say Wilson climbed onto the roof of his vehicle and held onto the roof racks, continuing to evade arrest. The driver of the other vehicle stopped, raised their hands, and was not involved in Wilson’s actions, authorities said. That driver later left the scene and was reportedly shaken by the incident.
Wilson was eventually tased while on top of the vehicle and taken into custody without further incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
A narcotics detection K-9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. Deputies say a subsequent search uncovered 17 pills of oxycodone, more than one gram of cocaine, and more than three grams of fentanyl.
Authorities noted Wilson is a convicted felon with prior convictions including burglary, possession of a controlled substance, organized fraud, and theft of a person over 65 years of age.
Wilson now faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to sell oxycodone, fentanyl, and cocaine, attempted carjacking, aggravated fleeing and eluding with damage, and resisting without violence.
Deputies are asking the driver involved in the attempted carjacking, or anyone with information, to contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at 352-955-1818, option 5.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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