OCALA, Fla. – A Marion County judge has sentenced a 42-year-old man to two decades in state prison for stealing a law enforcement vehicle and leading deputies on a chase last year.
Following a one-day trial, a jury found James Marion Brady guilty on all counts, including Burglary of an Authorized Emergency Vehicle, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Circuit Judge Peter M. Brigham subsequently handed down the 20-year sentence.
The charges stem from an incident on October 26, 2024, that began as a call for help. Marion County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a suspicious incident near SE 59th Street in Ocala.
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When they arrived, they found Brady, who told them he required assistance. According to investigators, Brady admitted he had “done drugs” and requested medical attention.
The situation escalated while deputies and Brady were waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Authorities say Brady suddenly stood up from the ground and sprinted toward the deputies’ parked patrol units. He managed to gain entry to one of the vehicles and sped away.
The theft triggered an immediate high-speed pursuit. Deputies were able to immobilize the stolen cruiser after a short chase and took Brady into custody.
Assistant State Attorneys Meredith Poisson and Madison Bryan prosecuted the case.
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