DIXIE COUNTY, Fla. — Two wanted men were taken into custody following a coordinated law enforcement operation involving deputies, drone operators and K-9 teams in Dixie County.
According to the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were attempting to serve felony warrants with assistance from the Cross City Police Department Drone Team, the Cross City Correctional Institution K-9 Team and the Taylor Correctional Institution K-9 Team.
During the operation, Ernest Edward Holifield fled on foot into a wooded area after deputies arrived at the location.
Authorities deployed drone and K-9 resources to assist in the search. After tracking Holifield through dense woods, officers located him hiding in thick brush and took him into custody.
In addition to his outstanding warrant for Petit Theft, Second Degree (Third or Subsequent Offense), Holifield was charged with Resisting an Officer Without Violence.
Investigators also located Christopher Alan Holifield during the operation. According to the sheriff’s office, he barricaded himself inside a fifth-wheel camper before eventually being taken into custody.
Christopher Holifield was charged with Resisting an Officer in addition to an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation.
The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office credited the successful arrests to the combined efforts of multiple agencies and specialized units.
Officials thanked the Cross City Police Department Drone Team, the Cross City Correctional Institution K-9 Team and the Taylor Correctional Institution K-9 Team for their assistance during the operation.
The sheriff’s office said continued cooperation between agencies plays an important role in maintaining public safety throughout the community.