Suspect who fled from Marion deputies is discovered by K9 King in the woods

On October 9, 2022, at approximately 11:30 p.m., on SE 182nd Ave Rd., in Ocklawaha, Deputy Paddock observed a vehicle with its rear lights out, driving at a high rate of speed and crossing over the center line. Deputy Paddock attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver fled, and a pursuit was initiated. After a short pursuit, the driver crashed into vegetation along the side of the road in the 12400 block of SE 195th Ave. Rd.

The driver, later identified as Joshua Julius Hyder (DOB: 6/19/1980), fled on foot into the woods. Deputy Paddock detained the vehicle’s passengers. The back passenger, Kenneth Sowell Jr., had a backpack where he was seated that contained Methamphetamine and measuring spoons. He was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The vehicle’s other passenger was released without charges.

Meanwhile, K-9 Cpl. David Christmas, his partner K-9 King, and Air-1, responded to the area to search for the driver. After an hour-long K-9 track, Air-1 was able to direct K-9 Cpl. Christmas and K-9 King to where Hyder was hiding. Hyder was repeatedly warned that if he did not come out, K-9 King would be released. Hyder chose to remain hidden and K-9 King won this round of "hide and seek" by locating and apprehending Hyder.

It was then discovered that Hyder had a warrant for Felony Battery.
In addition to being arrested on his outstanding warrant, Hyder was arrested for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, Driving While License

Suspended (3rd of Subsequent Offense), and Resisting an Officer Without Violence. Hyder and Sowell were both transported to the Marion County Jail.