Felon's wild Florida chase ends with taser and loaded gun in mall parking lot
A convicted felon from Sarasota led Florida troopers on a high-speed chase after refusing to stop for a traffic check. Demarcus Wilder, 36, now faces multiple charges following his arrest in Tampa on Wednesday night. The incident began on Interstate 275 and ended with Wilder being tasered in a shopping centre car park.
The pursuit started when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper attempted to pull Wilder over near downtown Tampa. Instead of stopping, he raised his middle finger at the officer and accelerated away. Authorities followed as he exited the interstate and drove towards the International Plaza and Bay Street mall.
After a short chase, troopers cornered Wilder in the shopping centre's parking area. He resisted briefly before being subdued with a taser and taken into custody. A search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol and extra ammunition.
Wilder was already barred from owning firearms due to his felony record. Officers also suspected him of driving under the influence, though no alcohol was detected in his system. His erratic behaviour and refusal to comply led to additional charges.
Wilder now faces a string of offences, including fleeing police, firearm possession as a felon, DUI, and resisting arrest. He remains in custody while the case proceeds. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released broader statistics on similar incidents in the area.
