UPDATE: A multiple-agency manhunt is Indian River County has now come to an end, Fellsmere Police tweeted. A man wanted for battery on a law enforcement officer and the possession of heroin has been taken into custody after an escape during a traffic stop Friday afternoon.
Police say 32-year-old Richard Falcon of West Palm Beach was pulled over for speeding. During the stop, a Florida Highway Patrol sergeant located narcotics in the vehicle. Falcon resisted the arrest and physically pushed the sergeant and ran to his vehicle. He then fled northbound on I-95.
The vehicle continued eastbound on County Road 512 where the vehicle crashed into trees and the driver fled on foot, FHP said in a release. Falcon was subdued shortly after and charged with unlawful speed, battery on a law enforcement officer, hit-and-run, and a drug charge, FHP said.
UPDATE: Manhunt over in Indian River County; prisoner now in custody - @FellsmerePD https://t.co/ZUiDMA0mEm
— WPTV (@WPTV) January 22, 2016
EARLIER STORY: Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for a man in the vicinity of I-95 and County Road 512 in Indian River County after he escaped the custody of a Florida Highway Patrol trooper following an apparent traffic stop.
He is wanted for battery on a law enforcement officer and the possession of heroin.
Fellsmere Police Department tweeted Friday afternoon it is searching for the man, who is believed to be unarmed, with the assistance of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office and FHP.
IRCSO is assisting the search with its chopper.
Authorities have requested travelers to report hitchhikers in the area.
Happening now: FPD, @IRCSheriff and FHP search for subject who fled from Trooper at I-95 and CR 512 pic.twitter.com/WuHQrpwlwj
— Fellsmere Police (@FellsmerePD) January 22, 2016
Man hunt in progress for this man vicinity of I-95 and CR 512 . @IRCSheriff helicopter in area. Report hitch hikers pic.twitter.com/uaOPyap1po
— Fellsmere Police (@FellsmerePD) January 22, 2016