Pair arrested for drug trafficking after car chase near Micanopy

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Raeqwon Emmanuel Munnerlyn, 26, of Ocala, and Victoria Lauren Piediscalzo, 25, of Belleview, were arrested yesterday after a car chase in the Micanopy area.

A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper saw their car traveling at 67 mph in a 45 mph zone on US Hwy 441, south of CR 234, at about 4:45 p.m. The trooper reported that the vehicle was driven in a reckless manner, tailgating other cars, and initiated a traffic stop. The car pulled over at the Sunoco at the intersection of US Hwy 441 and Division Street, but as a trooper approached the car, the trooper reported that it suddenly accelerated back onto US Hwy 441.

Troopers noted that the male passenger seemed to be yelling at the female driver and kept reaching into the backseat. They believed that the two occupants might be involved in a domestic disturbance or false imprisonment situation, and they believed there might be a gun or drugs in the car because of the behavior of the passenger.

After the car drove away southbound, the troopers pursued it, and the occupants reportedly continued to make “constant” hand motions, with the passenger reaching into the back seat multiple times. The car was finally stopped with a P.I.T. maneuver, causing the car to spin out. As soon as the car stopped, the passenger reportedly got out and started running. Three troopers chased him on foot, and other troopers followed in FHP vehicles. One of the vehicles finally cut him off and ordered him to the ground, but the man reportedly continued running.

A trooper Tased the man, but even when he was on the ground, he reportedly continued to refuse commands to place his hands behind his back and was Tased again. He was later identified as Munnerlyn; he had multiple open warrants out of Marion County.

The driver, identified as Piediscalzo, was also arrested.

A search of the vehicle reportedly produced 404 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun, $12,000 cash in various denominations, and a box of small plastic bags.

Munnerlyn has been charged with two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, two counts of possession of drug equipment, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting arrest without violence, fleeing/eluding, and displaying a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held on $120,000 bail.

Piediscalzo has been charged with reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug equipment, and fleeing/eluding. She is being held on $54,000 bail.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.