HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.- A routine traffic stop in Thonotosassa on May 9th escalated into the arrest of a 13-time convicted felon who was already out on bond for two counts of first-degree murder.
James Freeman, 48, was apprehended on May 13th in Tampa after fleeing from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies.
The incident began at approximately 4:07 p.m. near the intersection of Taylor Road and Vatican Road when deputies pulled over a black 2008 BMW due to excessively tinted windows. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies reported a strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside.
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According to HCSO investigators, deputies repeatedly instructed Freeman, the driver, to exit the vehicle. However, Freeman refused to comply and instead fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
Deputies say at the time of the traffic stop, Freeman was out on bond for two counts of Murder in the First Degree, resulting from the Unlawful Distribution of Fentanyl.
Following the initial flight, a warrant was issued for Freeman’s arrest on the charge of Fleeing to Elude. On May 13th, at approximately 3:00 p.m., deputies located Freeman in a gray Nissan vehicle in the 8400 block of Radio Lane in Tampa. At the time of his arrest, Freeman was also found to be in possession of a firearm.
Freeman was taken into custody and now faces a new list of charges, including:
- Fleeing to Elude at High Speed
- Resisting an Officer without Violence
- Possession of Cannabis Sativa Resin
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
“This is a violent felon, out on bond for two murder charges, caught with a gun. That alone is alarming. It’s because of the vigilance and determination of our deputies that this dangerous criminal is back in custody,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Their swift action prevented a potentially volatile situation from becoming something far worse.”
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