Two arrested on multiple charges after pursuit

A man and woman were arrested Thursday on multiple gun and drug charges after fleeing from a Deputy on U.S. 1.

Devon Percius Caswell, 30, of Leesburg, Florida was charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, evidence tampering, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tamica Michelle Smith, 38, of Summerfield, Florida was charged with fleeing and eluding, evidence tampering, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The incident began at approximately 11:44 p.m. near Mile Marker 78 when a northbound red Ford traveling 82 mph in a 45 mph zone failed to stop during an attempted traffic stop. The vehicle reached speeds of 90 mph, but eventually stopped whereupon the driver and passenger could be seen switching seats. The Ford then took off again, and a black bag was thrown from the vehicle. The vehicle then turned into the parking lot for the fire station at 81500 Overseas Highway.

Deputies quickly found the car in the rear parking lot behind a shipping container. Both occupants — later identified as Caswell and Smith — were ordered out of the car at gunpoint. Smith was the driver.

A loaded magazine for a .45-caliber handgun was found on the ground outside near the passenger door. Marijuana cigarettes were in clear view inside the vehicle.

The following was found inside the vehicle or near the vehicle:

• A .45-caliber handgun

  • A loaded .32-caliber handgun
  • A magazine for a .32-caliber handgun and case for the same
  • .45-caliber and .32-caliber ammunition
  • A digital scale, pipes and other assorted drug paraphernalia
  • Additional amounts of marijuana, such as candies

The following was found in the bag that was thrown from the vehicle:

  • A baggie containing a white substance that field-tested positive for opiates
  • Grinders and other assorted marijuana paraphernalia

Caswell and Smith were taken to jail.

Woman arrested for reckless driving

A 34-year-old Key West woman was arrested Thursday for driving faster than 100 mph and dangerously swerving/passing other cars on U.S. 1.

Yasnay Mireya Castellanos Utset was charged with reckless driving.

A be-on-the-lookout alert was dispatched at approximately 8:18 p.m. after a motorist near Mile Marker 81 reported a southbound vehicle that was weaving in and out of traffic just passed them in the center turn lane so quickly that they were unable to identify the vehicle.

The vehicle was spotted near Mile Marker 65 traveling 71 mph in a 55 mph zone. It was identified as a Toyota Corolla.

A Deputy began following the Toyota and observed it following too closely to vehicles in front of it, traveling in the center turn lane and illegally passing other vehicles. A traffic stop was attempted, but the Toyota accelerated, reaching speeds greater than 100 mph. It continued to pass illegally and nearly rear-ended another vehicle.

The Toyota stopped at Mile Marker 58. The driver was identified as Castellanos Utset.

She stated she was in a hurry to get to Key West.

She was taken to jail.

Man arrested for threats

A 26-year-old Marathon man was arrested Thursday for sending another man threatening text messages.

Pierson David Burton was charged with aggravated stalking, intimidation and violating a court injunction.

Burton sent his ex-girlfriend’s father numerous texts in June threatening to kill him and her and commit other violent acts.

The victim notified the Sheriff’s Office on July 12.

Warrants were obtained after Detectives reviewed the texts.

Burton was booked into jail on Thursday.

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