Cantonment Man Wanted By U.S. Marshals Charged With Fleeing Deputies

August 22, 2023

A Cantonment man wanted by U.S. Marshals was arrested with drugs after trying to flee from Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Deputies attempted to stop a Chevrolet four-door sedan driven by 31-year old James Lee Purifoy, Jr., in the area of Dudley Avenue and Willis Street. Purifoy fled at a high rate of speed, and the pursuit was terminated in a residential neighborhood for safety, according to the ECSO.

Deputies followed and observed the vehicle stop in the front yard of a home on Willis Street. Purifoy was detained and spontaneously stated he fled because he has federal warrants, an arrest report states. Deputies located a clear plastic bag containing seven grams of marijuana in his front shorts pocket.

Purifoy was charged with fleeing or eluding law enforcement with lights and sirens activated, knowingly driving a motor vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended second or subsequent offense and possession of marijuana under 20 grams. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with a hold from the U.S. Marshals.

The ECSO report does not specify the nature of the federal charges.

Comments

2 Responses to “Cantonment Man Wanted By U.S. Marshals Charged With Fleeing Deputies”

  1. Not again on August 22nd, 2023 8:55 am

    Once again, grown adults keeping the illegal drug machine functioning. Fighting illegal drug trade networks starts by eliminating demand in our own community. We’re doing it to ourselves.

  2. 9 - 5 on August 22nd, 2023 8:05 am

    I was at work during this situation unfolding

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News