The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 13-time convicted felon who fled a traffic stop earlier this month while out on bond for two murder charges.
On May 9, 2025, at approximately 4:07 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on a black 2008 BMW near Taylor Road and Vatican Road in Thonotosassa due to the vehicle’s tinted windows appearing below the legal limit. Deputies identified the driver as 48-year-old James Freeman.
Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana. Freeman refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. At the time, Freeman was out on bond for two counts of First-Degree Murder related to the unlawful distribution of fentanyl.
A warrant was issued for Fleeing to Elude, and on May 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., deputies located Freeman inside a gray Nissan at 8425 Radio Lane in Tampa. He was taken into custody without incident.
Freeman is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Fleeing to Elude at High Speed
- Resisting an Officer without Violence
- Possession of Cannabis Sativa Resin
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
“This is a violent felon, out on bond for two murder charges, caught with a gun. That alone is alarming,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to the swift actions of our deputies, this threat has been taken off the streets before he could do more harm.”
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