SUWANNEE COUNTY, FL – A Branford man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he led law enforcement on a pursuit while driving with a young child inside the vehicle.
According to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested 31-year-old Dustin Wade Gillespie on May 27 following an investigation into a vehicle pursuit in southern Suwannee County.
Authorities said deputies observed Gillespie operating a vehicle despite knowing his driver’s license had been suspended. Investigators also discovered the vehicle was displaying an unregistered license plate.
When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Gillespie allegedly accelerated and fled.
Using evidence and information gathered during the investigation, deputies later located Gillespie and took him into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, authorities learned a 1½-year-old child was inside the vehicle during the pursuit.
Investigators said evidence indicated Gillespie drove recklessly while attempting to evade deputies, placing the child, a passenger, and other motorists at risk.
Gillespie was charged with:
- Child Neglect
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer
- Driving While License Suspended (Habitual Traffic Offender)
- Resisting an Officer
The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to protecting public safety and holding reckless offenders accountable for their actions.