SARASOTA, Fla. -- November 4, 2016 -- 9 a.m.
On Wednesday, a Sarasota Police Traffic Unit Officer was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Southside Elementary when he observed a Jeep Cherokee traveling 38 miles per hour in the posted 15 mile per hour school zone. The Officer followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
Tyran Wilkerson, 21, of Arcadia Avenue, Sarasota, turned into a parking lot, passing several open spots before parking between two vehicles. When Wilkerson parked the vehicle, he opened his door immediately, closed the door and only put his window down several inches. The Officer made contact with Wilkerson, who appeared very nervous, was shaking and stuttering his speech.
The Officer asked Wilkerson to keep the door closed and then would be back with him momentarily. When the Officer returned to his patrol car, Wilkerson excited his vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the Officer caught up with Wilkerson and took him into custody. He stated, ‘he was dumb for running and shouldn’t have done it.’ Wilkerson was holding a red can which the Officer was able to unscrew and discover 9.7 grams of marijuana hidden inside. After a search of Wilkerson’s vehicle, $1070 in U.S. currency was found, 6 cellular telephones, and a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson firearm.
Wilkerson has been charged with:
· Possession of a marijuana within 1000 feet of a church with intent to sell
· Resisting law enforcement without violence
· Carrying a concealed weapon
· No Florida driver’s license
Tyran Wilkerson, 21
