K9 Jax Apprehends Suspect Fleeing in Stolen Vehicle

On Sunday, July 31, 2022, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies arrested Matthew Gebert (W/M, DOB: 07/22/1993) for Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting without Violence, Driving without a Valid License, and Violation of Probation.

On July 31, around 4:30 p.m., MCSO deputies were made aware of a stolen vehicle near the 900 block of SW 17th Street, in Ocala. K9 Corporal Calvin Batts located the stolen vehicle in the area of Southeast 32nd Street and Southeast 3rd Avenue. A white male, later determined to be Gebert, was seen driving the vehicle.

While waiting for backup to arrive in the area, K9 Corporal Batts followed Gebert for several minutes before activating the emergency lights and siren on his patrol vehicle in order to conduct a traffic stop. In response, Gebert accelerated and began fleeing to elude K9 Corporal Batts.

Gebert ultimately came to a stop in the 1600 block of SW 3rd Street and fled from the stolen vehicle on foot. K9 Corporal Batts gave chase and released his partner, K9 Jax, who apprehended Gebert after a short foot pursuit. Gebert was taken into custody.

It was discovered that he was in possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, his driver’s license was suspended, and that he was on active felony probation.

Gebert was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is held without bond.