Florida Man Driving Stolen Box Truck Leads Deputies on a Wild Chase

Gainesville, Florida — On August 23, 2022 Tampa Police responded to the report of a carjacking in the 16000 block of Enclave Village Dr. Victim #1 was confronted by an armed subject as she entered her car while preparing to leave for work. The suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Brandon J Baker, demanded she exit the car, then fled the scene in the victim’s black Nissan Maxima. The victim was not injured. Minutes later, officers responded to a 911 call in the 6200 block of Ashbury Palms Dr. Reportedly, Baker forcibly entered a residence after committing the carjacking, and confronted victim #2, who is a known acquaintance. Baker forced the victim out of the residence and into the Maxima. The victim was able to escape, at which time Baker fled the scene prior to police arrival. The Maxima was found abandoned at Tampa Palms Blvd. and Compton Dr. The victim was not injured. Approximately an hour later, Tampa Police responded to the report of a stolen vehicle that had just occurred in the 18000 block of Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.

Victim #3 was in the back of his white Isuzu box truck. When he exited the rear of the truck, he observed Baker in the driver seat. Baker then fled in the truck, which was equipped with GPS. The truck’s location was determined, and the Florida Highway Patrol attempted a traffic stop entering Alachua County. Baker refused to stop and began driving north in the southbound lanes of I-75. At multiple points the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle without success. Baker struck multiple law enforcement vehicles. Baker attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody by members of FHP & Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Two Alachua County Deputies sustained minor injuries. No Florida Highway Patrol Troopers were injured. Baker is currently in Alachua County Jail, charged with Armed Carjacking, Burglary with Battery, Kidnapping, and Grand Theft Auto related to the incidents that occurred in Tampa, as well as multiple felony charges related to the incidents that occurred in Alachua County.