Bicyclist accused of possessing drugs, gun

Police arrest Demetreous Springs after short foot chase

LAKE CITY, Fla. – Police say a bicyclist accused of possessing drugs and a gun was arrested Wednesday after a short foot chase.

Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, Lake City officers attempted to conduct a stop of a bicycle on Northwest Martin Luther King Street for not utilizing a head- or tail-lamp at night, as required by Florida Law.

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The bicyclist, later identified by police as 21-year-old Demetreous Springs, turned back, looked at the patrol vehicle and then made a turn onto Northwest Mississippi Way, police said.

Police said Springs then jumped off the bicycle and took off running, eventually removing a black object from his pocket.

Afterwards, police said the officer drew his department issued sidearm and ordered Springs to the ground, at which time he did.

As backup arrived at the scene, police said a black Berretta 9mm handgun was found underneath Springs as he was lifted from the ground after being handcuffed.

Authorities said the gun was cleared and was found to have been loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and ready to fire with one in the chamber. A closer inspection of the firearm revealed the serial numbers had been filed off, police said.

A warrants check was run on Springs and police said he is a convicted felon. While searching Springs' incident to arrest, police said 11 small plastic baggies containing marijuana were found, along with $120 cash.

Police said Springs was arrested, transported and booked at the Columbia County Detention Center on $63,000 bond for resisting officer without violence, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of less than 20 grams marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm while in commission of a felony crime, possession of firearm with an altered/defaced serial number, and dealing in stolen property.