Haines City, FL – Willie Pierce, 43, faces a series of serious charges after a traffic stop escalated into a high-stakes drug bust on Saturday night. According to the Haines City Police Department, Pierce was pulled over for running a stop sign around 10:30 p.m. at Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Way and Citrus Avenue.
When an officer attempted to stop him, Pierce fled the scene, speeding off in his pickup truck. He lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a fence and an unoccupied truck. Despite the wreck, Pierce exited the vehicle and tried to jump a nearby fence, but was quickly tased by officers and taken into custody.
A search of Pierce’s truck revealed a large quantity of illegal substances and cash. Authorities found 3.99 pounds of methamphetamine, 15 grams of marijuana, and $23,713 in cash.
Pierce now faces a range of charges, including:
Fleeing and eluding
Leaving the scene of a crash
Trafficking in methamphetamine
Maintaining a vehicle for drug activity
Possession of cannabis
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Violation of probation
This isn’t Pierce’s first run-in with the law. He has an extensive criminal history, including charges for fleeing and eluding, conspiracy to purchase cocaine with intent to sell, and resisting an officer without violence.
Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood praised the quick response of officers: “This incident is a prime example of how a routine traffic stop can quickly escalate into a serious criminal case. Thanks to the swift actions of our officers, a dangerous individual is off the streets, and a significant amount of illegal drugs and cash have been seized.”
Pierce was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being booked into Polk County Jail. According to jail records, he is being held without bond.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to combat drug trafficking and keep the streets of Haines City safe.
