Convicted Felon’s Desperate Flee From Traffic Stop Leads to Crash, Drug & Gun Bust
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A routine traffic stop escalated into a dangerous pursuit yesterday afternoon, culminating in the arrest of a convicted felon now facing a litany of charges, including armed drug trafficking and possession of a firearm.
Jarrod Cole, 35, found himself back behind bars after a series of reckless maneuvers and a subsequent discovery of drugs and a loaded rifle in his vehicle. The incident began at approximately 4:40 p.m. when a Winter Haven officer observed Cole’s silver Chrysler 200 run a red light at the intersection of Lake Howard Drive NW and Avenue G NW.
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According to police reports, as the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating emergency lights, Cole sped away at a high rate of speed, driving into oncoming traffic and narrowly avoiding multiple collisions. The officer, maintaining a safe distance, continued to follow the vehicle.
The pursuit momentarily paused when the Chrysler stopped at a traffic light near Spirit Lake Road and Highway 540.
However, as the officer pulled up behind him, Cole once again fled, this time swerving between two lanes and crashing into a red Jeep. Despite the collision, Cole attempted to flee the scene on foot but was swiftly apprehended and taken into custody by the officer.
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Once secured in the patrol vehicle, Cole spontaneously admitted to the officer that he didn’t stop because he didn’t have a driver’s license. A subsequent look into the open driver’s side door of Cole’s Chrysler revealed a disturbing sight: a rifle standing in plain view on the floorboard, barrel facing upwards.
The weapon was loaded with two magazines containing a total of 60 rounds of .223 ammunition. Further search of the vehicle uncovered a backpack filled with drugs and additional narcotics in the center console.
Cole was transported to the Polk County Jail and is now facing severe charges, including:
- Armed Trafficking of Methamphetamine (F/L)
- Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F/2)
- Possession of Amphetamine (F/3)
- Possession of Heroin (F/3)
- Fleeing to Elude LEO with Lights Sirens Activated (F/3)
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries (F/3)
- Warrant from Other Jurisdiction (Orange County Sheriff’s Office) (F/3)
- Reckless Driving (M/1)
- Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (M/1)
Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe condemned Cole’s actions, stating, “This dangerous felon had total disregard of the lives of our officers and other drivers with his reckless actions.” Cole remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings.
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