Uploaded October 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
On Sunday, October 14, 2018, MCSO Deputy Christopher Witte made contact with suspicious vehicle occupied by a man, later identified as Joe Toolie III (DOB: 11/04/1993), at the Circle K located at 13873 SE Highway 25. The store clerk told Deputy Witte that Toolie was parked at the front of the store for 30-45 minutes and appeared to be unresponsive. During the encounter, Toolie put the vehicle in reverse, striking Deputy Witte and almost running him over. Deputy Witte initiated a pursuit, which led into Lake County. During the pursuit, Toolie turned the vehicle's lights off and reached high speeds, causing Deputy Witte to lose sight of Toolie's vehicle. Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies located the vehicle, attempted to conduct a traffic stop and initiated a pursuit. Toolie abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. A LCSO K-9 tracked to Toolie's house located at 215 Bisby Street in Leesburg. After Deputy Witte positively identified Toolie as the suspect, LCSO breached the residence and brought Toolie into custody.
We are happy and thankful to report that MCSO Deputy Christopher Witte was not injured during this incident. We would like to extend our gracious thanks to our brothers and sisters at the Lake County Sheriff's Office for their support and back-up in this case. Together, we put a dangerous man behind bars.
Great work everyone!
On Sunday, October 14, 2018, MCSO Deputy Christopher Witte made contact with suspicious vehicle occupied by a man, later identified as Joe Toolie III (DOB: 11/04/1993), at the Circle K located at 13873 SE Highway 25. The store clerk told Deputy Witte that Toolie was parked at the front of the store for 30-45 minutes and appeared to be unresponsive. During the encounter, Toolie put the vehicle in reverse, striking Deputy Witte and almost running him over. Deputy Witte initiated a pursuit, which led into Lake County. During the pursuit, Toolie turned the vehicle's lights off and reached high speeds, causing Deputy Witte to lose sight of Toolie's vehicle. Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies located the vehicle, attempted to conduct a traffic stop and initiated a pursuit. Toolie abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. A LCSO K-9 tracked to Toolie's house located at 215 Bisby Street in Leesburg. After Deputy Witte positively identified Toolie as the suspect, LCSO breached the residence and brought Toolie into custody.
We are happy and thankful to report that MCSO Deputy Christopher Witte was not injured during this incident. We would like to extend our gracious thanks to our brothers and sisters at the Lake County Sheriff's Office for their support and back-up in this case. Together, we put a dangerous man behind bars.
Great work everyone!
