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I-4 Pursuit Near Plant City Nets 3 Arrests On Drug, Gun Charges

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By NADIRA KHARMAI

News Channel 8

Published: July 28, 2008

PLANT CITY - Three people who led deputies on a chase along Interstate 4 near Plant City on Saturday night were arrested on drug trafficking and gun possession charges, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

After the chase, police found more than 200 grams of illegal drugs and two concealed handguns, an arrest affidavit states.

The chase started about 8:30 p.m. when deputies spotted Cesar Alvarez driving a 2000 GMC pickup east on I-4, sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway said. Alvarez was wanted on charges of felony fleeing and eluding and other driving violations, jail records state.

A deputy signaled Alvarez to stop, and he did not, Callaway said. The chase ended with his arrest near Forbes and Trapnell roads, in Plant City.

Alvarez and the passengers in the truck, Jose Uceta, 18, and Vanessa Sanchez, 25, were arrested near Forbes and Trapnell roads, Callaway said. After the truck came to a stop, "all three bolted, and it took many officers to take them down," Callaway said.

Deputies found 35 ounces of methamphetamine that Uceta tried to hide while trying to escape, the affidavit states. The report also says Uceta is affiliated with the Latin Kings.

Deputies also found more than 28 grams of oxycodone, 200 grams of methamphetamine, a .9 mm pistol and a .45-caliber pistol, the report states.

Alvarez, Uceta and Sanchez all were charged with two counts of armed trafficking in a controlled substance, two counts of carrying a concealed firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing or opposing an officer without violence, jail records show.

Uceta and Sanchez are being held at Orient Road Jail. Bail for each was set at $320,500. Alvarez was being held without bail.

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