LEESBURG – A Lake County Deputy found a little more than he expected when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop Sunday night at approximately 11:00 pm.
According to arrest reports, Cpl. Pickens attempted a traffic stop on a 2006 white Kia when he noticed the vehicle run a stop sign and then take a wide turn onto a side street causing the vehicle to move into the opposite lane.
The driver of the vehicle, 26-year-old Lloyd Maurice Carter did not slow down and continued driving down the street. At that time, Cpl. Pickens turned off his emergency lights and ended the pursuit. However, Carter did not get very far after he ran his vehicle into a chain link fence only 200 yards away from Cpl. Pickens.
Carter got out of his vehicle and started running from the scene at which time Pickens called for him to stop stating that if he didn’t, he would release his K9 Deputy Gerry. Carter disobeyed the commands and continued running.
Pickens was able to detain and catch up to Carter with help from K9 Deputy Gerry.
While attempting to restrain him, Pickens noticed that Carter was holding an assault rifle which was later identified as a Mossberg .22 Cal tactical rifle.
According to the report, while Pickens was in the process of drawing his weapon for protection, Carter threw down the rifle and Pickens was able to restrain him.
Once Carter was in custody, Pickens examined the rifle and found the serial number scratched off and that it contained a live round in the chamber. He also found a magazine with 15 live rounds of ammunition that had possibly fallen off of the rifle when Carter threw it.
A vehicle inventory was done before towing Carter’s vehicle at which time deputies found a clown mask on the front passenger seat.
Carter was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, fleeing or eluding an officer, and driving with a suspended license (3rd offense).
Carter was transported to Leesburg Regional Medical Center to receive treatment from the K9 bite he received during the incident and for low blood pressure. Once cleared, he was transported to the Lake County Jail where he is currently being held on a $42,000 bond.
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