LEVY COUNTY, Fla. — A late-night traffic stop turned into a multi-agency pursuit that ended with the arrest of a wanted fugitive and a driver facing multiple charges, authorities said.
The incident began around 2:24 a.m. on April 8, 2026, when Corporal Dean MacIntyre observed a vehicle run a stop sign near Northeast 94th Terrace and Northeast 66th Lane. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, initiating a pursuit.
Officials said the chase left the neighborhood and continued toward Bronson, then onto State Road 24 toward Otter Creek. The suspect vehicle proceeded to U.S. 19, where the driver failed to stop at the intersection. The Florida Highway Patrol joined the pursuit and performed a precision immobilization technique west of Otter Creek, disabling the vehicle and ending the chase.
Authorities identified the driver as 42-year-old Angela N. Birkholz of Port Charlotte. Deputies said she admitted fleeing because she knew her driver’s license was not valid. She was arrested and charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, driving while license suspended or revoked, and child neglect. Her bond was set at $110,000.
A front-seat passenger initially provided a false name but was later identified as 33-year-old Travis W. Merrell of Arcadia. Investigators determined he was wanted in Charlotte County on multiple violent felony warrants. Deputies also said Merrell was found in possession of methamphetamine and attempted to destroy the evidence during the stop.
Merrell was charged with providing false information to law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest by obstruction, and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $150,000. He was also booked on outstanding warrants, including aggravated assault with a firearm, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, shooting into an occupied conveyance, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A third occupant, a 15-year-old juvenile, was taken into protective custody and later released to a family member.
Officials credited coordination between agencies for the safe resolution of the incident. No injuries were reported.