Pair arrested for racing on University Avenue

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Marderial Jermon Fairley, 33, and Nathaniel Perry Williams, 32, were arrested early on April 3 for racing on University Avenue and attempting to elude a police officer. Fairley had additional charges that included drug possession and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

At 4:22 a.m. Sunday morning, a Gainesville Police Department officer saw a black Dodge Charger and yellow Chevrolet Camaro turn onto W. University Avenue in the 900 block, immediately accelerating to 65 mph in a 30 mph zone. The officer turned on his lights and chirped his siren, but the two cars sped up to an estimated 85 mph in an area with many pedestrians at that time of night. The officer did not continue to pursue them but located the cars and their drivers a short time later at the Wawa on E. University Avenue. Both drivers were arrested without incident.

Williams was charged with attempting to elude a police officer, racing on highways, and reckless driving, and was released on his own recognizance.

A search of Fairley’s car produced 4.8 grams of THC edibles, 23.8 grams of MDMA, 13.5 grams of cocaine, an Adderall pill, and one live round of ammunition. $3,918 cash was found in his pocket. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than 20g of marijuana, trafficking in MDMA, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, attempting to elude a police officer, racing on highways, driving without a valid license, reckless driving, and driving without a valid license plate. He is being held on $198,000 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.