Video Shows Wanted Felon Striking Sheriff's Truck In Brandon: Sheriff

BRANDON, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 29-year-old man who attempted to flee deputies by intentionally accelerating his car and striking a sheriff's Tahoe SUV that had its emergency lights activated.

On Wednesday just before 8:30 a.m., detectives learned that wanted felon Jabari Walden had been seen by deputies entering a parked car in the Kensington Lakes Circle apartments in Brandon.

There were multiple outstanding warrants against Walden on charges of trafficking in fentanyl, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, as well as violation of probation for fleeing to elude in Pinellas County and grand theft in Broward County.

Detectives responded with emergency lights activated and Walden tried to flee in the gray car he was seen entering, said the sheriff's office. While fleeing, the sheriff said Walden intentionally accelerated and struck a parked car and an unmarked sheriff's Tahoe that had its emergency lights activated.

The deputy in the Tahoe was not injured.

This comes a month after a Brandon man intentionally accelerated his car and ran into two sheriff's deputies, seriously injuring both when he crushed their legs between his car and their sheriff's vehicles. Cpl. Carlos Brito remains hospitalized after multiple surgeries to save his leg.

Related:

• 2 Florida Deputies Critically Injured, 1 May Lose His Leg: Sheriff
• Fund Established To Support Critically Injured Hillsborough Deputies

"It's an unmitigated tragedy when those sworn to protect and serve face intentional harm while doing their job. The anger, heartbreak and disappointment run deep, especially when, less than a month ago, we witnessed an unsettling attack on two of our deputies," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

"This is just another stark reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily," he said. "Their resilience in the face of such adversity demonstrates their dedication to protecting our communities from those who seek to destroy our peace and safety."

Walden's car broke down following the collisions and he was taken into custody.

During the arrest, deputies discovered a substantial quantity of narcotics. Walden was found in possession of 10.7 grams of trafficking-grade fentanyl and an additional 30 grams of fentanyl were found in his car.

Walden is currently in custody and will face a series of charges related to the outstanding warrants, as well as charges stemming from Wednesday's arrest.