A routine traffic stop on March 1, 2025, at 10:26 p.m. led to the arrest of a Haines City man and the seizure of nearly four pounds of methamphetamine, cannabis, and over $23,000 in cash, according to the Haines City Police Department.
A Haines City Police officer observed a red Chevrolet pickup run a stop sign at the intersection of Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Way and Citrus Avenue. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver, identified as 43-year-old Willie Gene Pierce, accelerated and attempted to flee.
Pierce lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a fence and an unoccupied car before fleeing on foot. An officer deployed a Taser, stopping Pierce as he attempted to jump a fence. Following department protocol, he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being taken into custody.
A search of Pierce’s vehicle uncovered:
- 1,811 grams (3.99 pounds) of methamphetamine
- 15.3 grams of cannabis
- $23,713 in cash
Pierce, who was already on probation for drug-related charges, has a criminal history including fleeing law enforcement and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was booked into the Polk County Jail on multiple charges, including trafficking methamphetamine, fleeing law enforcement, and violating probation.
“This incident is a prime example of how a routine traffic stop can quickly escalate into a serious criminal case,” said Haines City Deputy Police Chief Jay Hopwood. “Thanks to the swift actions of our officers, a dangerous individual is off the streets.”
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