Two Columbia County residents were arrested Wednesday evening as the result of a vehicle pursuit.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Deputy Sheriff Jesse Cieslik attempted to stop a Ford pickup truck for a traffic law violation at the intersection of S.W. Mauldin Ave and S.W. Wingate St. The driver of the pickup truck refused to yield to Deputy Cieslik and accelerated at a high rate of speed. Deputy Cieslik pursued the suspect on local roads. At one point, the driver of the pickup turned off the vehicle’s headlights in an attempt to evade Deputy Cieslik. The pursuit continued onto S.R. 47, with the suspect driving into oncoming traffic. Several vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid being struck by the fleeing truck.
Due to the reckless driving of the fleeing suspect and his disregard for the safety of others, Deputy Cieslik was able to perform a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) and bring the pursuit to an end on C.R. 240. After the PIT maneuver was implemented, the suspect then rammed Deputy Cieslik’s patrol vehicle. Deputy Cieslik was able to block the suspect’s vehicle, at which time both vehicles were rendered immobile. Upon the pursuit terminating, a passenger in the truck fled on foot. Deputy Cieslik was able to arrest the driver, Daniel Scandizzo, without incident while deputies pursued the passenger on foot. Deputy Matt Grinstead was in foot pursuit of the passenger. The passenger refused the commands of Deputy Grinstead to stop. Grinstead deployed an Electronic Control Device and the passenger, Alfonso Pope, was taken into custody without further incident.
Deputies discovered a loaded .357 caliber handgun in the truck. Several small bags of marijuana, packaged for sale, and two larger bags of marijuana were also found in the truck. The marijuana located was in excess of 225 grams. In addition, seven baggies of crack cocaine and four Oxycodone pills were found. Deputies also seized $460.00 in U.S. currency.
No injuries were reported during this event.
Alfonso Pope, the passenger that fled, was recently released (Oct 2011) from the Florida Dept of Corrections after serving a two year prison sentence for a previous conviction of Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement.
Daniel V. Scandizzo is currently on probation for prior narcotics convictions. Both Pope and Scandizzo were transported to and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility. Both are being held without bond.
Arrested:
[lightbox href=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Daniel-Scandizzo.jpg”] [image src=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Daniel-Scandizzo.jpg” height=150 width=150] [/lightbox]
Daniel Vincent Scandizzo, 01/28/1987
395 S.W. Thrasher Lane, Lake City, FL
Charges:
Driving While License Suspended, Felony Possession of a Firearm, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving, Felony Fleeing and Eluding, Possession of More than 20 Grams of Cannabis, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription
[lightbox href=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Alphonso-Pope.jpg”] [image src=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Alphonso-Pope.jpg” height=150 width=150] [/lightbox]
Alfonso David Pope, 06/15/1985
135 S.W. Amiel Ct., Ft. White, FL
Charges:
Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of more than 20 grams of Cannabis, Resisting Arrest without Violence.
