April 29, 2024
On April 27, 2024 Deputy Rowdy Roberts observed a vehicle traveling on NE 35 Street in Williston at a speed above the posted 25 mph speed limit. Deputy Roberts verified the vehicle’s speed at 47 mph with his radar and conducted a traffic stop. The driver pulled into the Toad Stool Bar and immediately fled into the woods.
The passenger, identified as Joshua Lamonte Monroe (8/13/96) of Williston walked away from the traffic stop scene and into the bar. His suspicious behavior when he entered the bar captured the attention of an employee inside. The employee saw Monroe walk directly to a garbage can in the back of the building and place a white package inside. The employee summoned Officer S. Goodson of the Williston Police Department who arrived to assist Deputy Roberts. Officer Goodson recovered the package and the contents were identified as cocaine and methamphetamines that were pre-packaged for street level sales. Monroe was then detained. Deputy Roberts reviewed the surveillance video from inside the bar that clearly captured Monroe placing the illegal drugs inside the trash can.
The car Monroe had been riding in was inventoried prior to it being towed from the scene. Inside deputies found a black backpack in the passenger seat that contained Monroe’s driver’s license and more drugs, including fentanyl.
Deputies located a handgun under the driver’s seat during the inventory. The gun, a FN 5.7 X 28, was loaded with armor piercing bullets. These bullets can be used is to penetrate the body armor law enforcement officers wear.
Sheriff McCallum said, “This is the type of proactive law enforcement efforts LCSO deputies are trained to conduct. Saturday night Deputy Roberts removed dangerous drugs and a lethal firearm off of our streets making that neighborhood safer for the citizens and our law enforcement officers. Great work Deputy Roberts!”
The driver has not been captured. Efforts to identify and take him into custody are still on-going. The image attached is that of the driver. If anyone in our community can positively identify him or provide his current location they are asked to call Lt. Mike Narayan at 352-486-5111 ext. 267. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477. You could be eligible for a cash reward.