Florida man arrested after suspected prison drone drop in Monroe County

A Florida man is behind bars after a chase in Monroe County that investigators believe was connected to an attempted prison contraband drop using a drone.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Florida man is behind bars after a chase in Monroe County that investigators believe was connected to an attempted prison contraband drop using a drone.

According to news release fromthe Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on Interstate 75 near Exit 188 around 8:35 p.m. Tuesday.

Investigators say the driver fled, exited I-75 and continued toward Collier Road and L. Cary Bittick Drive before eventually stopping the vehicle and running away on foot. Deputies apprehended the driver after a brief foot pursuit and identified him as Demetri Dotson of Homestead, Florida.

The sheriff’s office says deputies found Dotson in possession of a large  drone and other packaged items. Sheriff Brad Freeman said incidents involving attempts to smuggle contraband into prisons are becoming increasingly common and described the problem as approaching, epidemic levels in Georgia’s state prison system.

Dotson is charged with fleeing or attempting to elude, reckless driving, obstruction of an officer, multiple traffic violations, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of tools during the commission of a crime and drug trafficking.

Dotson is being held in the Monroe County Jail without bond.