HSPD nabs suspect with stolen credit cards, electronics, groceries

HIGH SPRINGS – A stolen Chevy Trailblazer and a car load of food, electronics and fire arms, which had been purchased using stolen credit cards, were recovered by the High Springs Police Department (HSPD) following a traffic stop on Jan. 6.

The 34-year-old driver, James D. Uyanna, 240 Park Hill Ave., Staten Island, New York, was pulled over by HSPD Officer Ethan Presnell for exceeding the speed limit in a school zone. Uyanna initially pulled over but sped off at a high rate as Officer Presnell got out of his car to approach the vehicle. Officers pursued a short distance. Uyanna stopped the vehicle, jumped out and fled on foot in the vicinity of CVS Pharmacy, located at 220 NW. Santa Fe Blvd. Officers gave chase on foot a short distance and Uyanna was apprehended by Presnell using a Taser.

The vehicle, which had been stolen in North Carolina, contained several different vehicle plates, which had also been reported as stolen, and the screwdriver that was apparently use to change them.

“The suspect was released just before the holidays after serving time for breaking into a vehicle and stealing credit cards in North Carolina,” said HSPD Acting Chief Antoine Sheppard.

Uyanna was booked at the Alachua County Jail on multiple charges, which included Petit Theft (second offense), Grand Theft, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Possession of Not More than 20 Grams of Marijuana, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, Fleeing/Eluding a Police Order to Stop, Driving on a Permanently Revoked Driver's License, Grand Theft of a Firearm and Larceny of Credit Cards.

No bail had been set as of press time.

Sheppard stressed that even in small towns where people feel more comfortable, vehicles and homes should be secured to deter a quick grab by someone passing by. “Valuables should be concealed or taken with you when you're shopping and running errands,” he said. “Firearms, purses and small items easy for a thief to conceal are targets for theft, as well as shopping bags and packages.”

Uyanna had a number of stolen electronics and stolen groceries in his vehicle. As HSPD was unable to verify ownership of the stolen groceries, they were photographed and then donated to a local ministry with the approval of the State Attorney's Office.

#   #   #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com