GIFFORD — A man was jailed earlier this week after deputies found more than 40 grams of cocaine – in his bookbag and vehicle – following a high-speed chase, reports show. Deputies also discovered hydrocodone pills – a Schedule II narcotic – along with marijuana during the search.
Devonte Clark
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Devonte Devon Clark, 29, of the 3800 block of 42nd Place, Gifford, was arrested on a variety of charges including trafficking cocaine, willful wanton reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, possession of hydrocodone and possession of marijuana more than 20 grams. Clark was released Tuesday from the Indian River County Jail on $90,000 bond.
The incident unfolded about 10:30 a.m. Sunday when an Indian River County patrol deputy saw Clark driving a silver Volkswagen Jetta. The deputy, who said Clark was not wearing a seat belt, attempted to conduct a traffic stop, reports show.
Clark accelerated at a high rate of speed away from the patrol car, deputies said. The patrol deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens, but Clark continued driving.
The deputy said Clark ran the stop sign at 45th Street and 35th Avenue. Clark drove on the wrong side of the street, causing other motorists to travel off the roadway to avoid a crash, reports show.
Deputies said Clark sped through the parking lot of a nearby Family Dollar store before traveling north on 43rd Avenue. Clark drove down several more streets – blowing past stop signs – before traveling back on 35th Avenue, reports show.
Then Clark – carrying a bookbag – got out of the car and ran, but was eventually detained by deputies, officials said. Deputies searched Clark’s bookbag, along with the vehicle, and found the following items:
- 15 pills of hydrocodone weighing 6.40 grams
- 83.9 grams of marijuana
- 41.41 grams of cocaine found in clear plastic bags
Deputies arrested Clark and booked him into the county jail. Clark has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 30, court records show.