Stolen car pursuit leads to arrest of five-time felon on charges of firearm and drug possession

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Willie Antwane Jackson, 32, was arrested early this morning after deputies pulled over a stolen car. Jackson, the driver, allegedly ran and was charged with five felonies and two misdemeanors after a revolver and drugs were reportedly found in the car.

At about 2:00 a.m. this morning, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a car matching the description of a vehicle that had been reported stolen. She followed the car while verifying the tag and watched the car turn into LIV Apartments off of SW 20th Avenue. She reported that the car pulled into a parking space, and Jackson got out of the car. She reportedly told Jackson to stay where he was; he reportedly asked her why she pulled him over and said he lived “out here,” then allegedly ran.

Jackson was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit by other deputies and reportedly stated spontaneously that he ran because he did not have a valid license and that he did not know the car was stolen.

The deputy who originally noticed the stolen car reportedly remained with the car and began searching it; she reportedly found a loaded revolver, baggies, and a scale.

A search of Jackson incident to arrest reportedly produced 16.6 grams of marijuana and 11.2 grams of MDPV.

Post Miranda, Jackson reportedly did not want to answer questions.

Jackson has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of trafficking quantities of phenethylamines, two counts of possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer without violence. He has five felony convictions (one violent) and four misdemeanor convictions (one violent). He has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2021.

Jackson was arrested in January 2023 on seven charges related to burglary, domestic battery, and property damage; all the charges were later dropped. He was arrested in May on charges of grand theft of a vehicle and drug possession; those charges were also dropped.

Judge Walter Green set bail at $64,000.

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.