The search for 20-year-old Anthony Mojica came to a dramatic end early Thursday morning when Charlotte County deputies arrested him following a high-speed chase involving multiple agencies.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office STAR unit received a tip about Mojica’s location near Camilla Lane just before 1 a.m. Deputies located his white Nissan Altima, but when they attempted a traffic stop, Mojica turned off his headlights and fled, dangerously swerving into oncoming lanes.
The North Port Police Department (NPPD) assisted in the pursuit as Mojica entered I-75 northbound, evading a PIT maneuver while driving at speeds reaching 120 mph. Near mile marker 180, stop sticks deployed by NPPD caused a front tire to disintegrate, slowing the vehicle. Deputies successfully performed a PIT maneuver at mile marker 182, bringing the chase to an end.
Inside the car, Mojica and a juvenile female passenger complied with officers’ commands and exited the vehicle. A search uncovered a handgun with an extended magazine, suspected narcotics, ammunition, and a black bag.
Mojica was taken into custody and is currently held at Sarasota County Jail for charges related to the pursuit. He is also expected to face additional charges in Charlotte County.
The arrest comes days after Mojica allegedly fired at least six gunshots in the parking lot of a Port Charlotte Walmart on Saturday afternoon, an incident that left the local community shaken.
No injuries were reported during the chase or the arrest.
