Man arrested at gunpoint after fleeing from deputy

A 22-year-old Beverly Hills, Florida man who fled from a deputy was arrested early Thursday morning.

John Manuel Moraza-Melendez was charged with fleeing and eluding, operating an unregistered vehicle, illegal tags, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Deputy Edward Swogger was at Mile Marker 66 shortly after 1 a.m. when Moraza-Melendez drove past in a 1995 Jeep driving more than 20 mph over the speed limit. Deputy Swogger approached the vehicle as it entered the city of Layton. The vehicle slowed and then turned into Long Key Lake Drive. Deputy Jackson activated his overhead lights and sirens. The suspect vehicle accelerated as it drove down the dead-end street. The suspect vehicle braked hard and skid across the asphalt and onto a gravel driveway before coming to a stop.

Deputy Swogger ordered Moraza-Melendez out of the car at gunpoint. When asked why he fled, Moraza-Melendez stated his license was suspended.

A small amount of marijuana was found in the console.

Moraza-Melendez was taken to jail.

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