Hawthorne Man Arrested In High-Speed Chase

HAWTHORNE ‒ A 37-year-old Hawthorne man, Brian Michael Hendrickson, was arrested on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, following a high-speed chase involving reckless driving on State Road 20 (SR 20) and U.S. Highway 301. Hendrickson now faces charges of fleeing and reckless driving after allegedly attempting to evade law enforcement at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

At approximately 6:54 a.m., an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a Subaru Crosstrek traveling over 70 mph on SR 20 near Southeast 65^th Lane. When the deputy activated their lights and sirens, Hendrickson reportedly accelerated and began weaving through traffic, disregarding public safety.

The chase continued as the suspect briefly exited onto U.S. Highway 301 before re-entering SR 20 westbound, according to the deputy’s report. During the pursuit, Hendrickson allegedly ignored all traffic control devices while maneuvering through vehicles at high speed.

The pursuit came to an end near Southeast 171^st Street, where Hendrickson reportedly raised both hands out of the driver’s side window before pulling over and surrendering to authorities.

Hendrickson’s criminal history includes two felony convictions, one misdemeanor conviction, and a prior state prison sentence for grand theft, from which he was released in July 2023. He is currently on pre-trial release in Marion County for a misdemeanor case and has an active felony warrant from the same county.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones set Hendrickson’s bail at $125,000. Authorities noted the danger Hendrickson posed to the public during the pursuit, citing his disregard for traffic safety and property. The case remains under investigation.

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