Man arrested on drug charges in Arcadia after attempting to run, deputies say

ARCADIA, Fla. —

A man is accused of drug possession after DeSoto County deputies say he ran away when he spotted them in Arcadia.

According to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, deputies spotted Jason Ledford, 44, behind an Advance Auto Parts in Arcadia. DCSO says that when Ledford saw the deputies he immediately began walking away, tossing an object onto the ground.

When deputies got to Ledford they say he voluntarily gave up a mouthpiece and pipe containing methamphetamine residue. They searched the area where Ledford had reportedly tossed something and say they found a pill bottle containing baggies that tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine.

When deputies tried to place Ledford in handcuffs they say he ran away for approximately 20 feet before stopping and surrendering. He reportedly told deputies that he "wasn't gonna run."

Ledford was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting without violence.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.