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June 9, 2017

An officer with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office suffered minor injuries this past Sunday after a driver pulled over in a routine traffic stop attempted to flee while the officer’s hand was inside the vehicle.  According to the official statement, Deputy William Kretzer was on duty on Sunday when he pulled over the 27-year-old LaRodney Bennett on North Center Street in Pierson after Bennett was clocked breaking the speed limit.  During the procedure, Kretzer discovered two outstanding warrants for Bennett’s arrest.  Kretzer exited his vehicle and approached Bennett’s car.

According to Kretzer, he requested that Bennett exit the vehicle.  Bennett declined, and Kretzer asked again.  This happened several times, and each time Bennett declined to leave the car.  Following the last refusal, Kretzer reached inside the car’s open window in order to forcibly remove Bennett.  It was while Kretzer’s arm was still within the car that Bennett began to try and drive away.  Kretzer was pulled alongside the moving vehicle for 10 feet or so, after which time he let go of the fleeing man in order to prevent himself from being seriously injured.  Bennett, for his part, proceeded to flee down the road.

The poorly planned escape route took Bennett along a meandering route of dirt roads and badly maintained trails.  Eventually, Bennett lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree.  Unfazed, the fleeing man abandoned the car and tried to hide in some nearby bushes.  Meanwhile, both a K-9 unit and a helicopter were searching the area for the running man.  The combination of resources allowed the pursuing officers to capture Bennett without much trouble.  After the arrest, he was subsequently transported to Florida Hospital DeLand for treatment of minor wounds, including a dog bite.

Currently, Bennett is staying at Daytona Beach’s Volusia County Branch Jail.  The charges currently being leveled against him include aggravated battery against an officer of the law as well as an attempt to flee an officer after using violence to deter that officer’s pursuit.  It is believed that the two initial warrants out against Bennett were related to assault charges that have yet to be resolved.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

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Orange County:
Orlando, FL

500 Delaney Avenue #404
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-425-2000

Seminole County:
Lake Mary, FL

300 International Parkway #100
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-487-4408

Osceola County:
Kissimmee, FL

17 S. Orlando Ave.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407-966-4408

Volusia County:
Daytona Beach, FL

1301 Beville Rd., Suite 8
Daytona Beach, FL 32119
Phone: 386-243-4994

Volusia County:
DeBary, FL

465 Summerhaven Drive, Suite C
DeBary, FL 32713
Phone: 386-320-3911

Volusia County:
Deland, FL

120 South Woodland Blvd.
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: 386-206-1264

Citrus County:
Inverness, FL

110 North Apopka Ave.
Inverness, FL 34453
Phone: 352-205-4341

Polk County:
Lakeland, FL

1102 S. Florida Ave., Suite 104
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-968-7551

Polk County:
Winter Haven, FL

325 Avenue A, N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-968-7173

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Tampa, FL

100 S. Edison St. Suite D
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-355-9772

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The Villages, FL

3420 U.S. Hwy. 27/441
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: 352-419-0825

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Mt. Dora, FL

Mt. Dora, FL
Phone: 352-436-4696

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Clermont, FL

3721 S Hwy 27, Suite A
Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: 352-503-4674

Brevard County:
Titusville, FL

506 S. Palm Ave.
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: 321-222-7300

Brevard County:
Cocoa, FL

96 Willard Street, Suite 206
Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-757-1373

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  • I was involved in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver ran a red light and my car was a total loss. I was referred to James Cunningham due to the fact that our attorney’s have been very impressed with James Cunningham’s work. This fact turned out to be very true… A Personal Injury Client
  • My car accident case was handled by Mr Cunningham and I was very pleased with how everything was done. He handles his own cases and his staff is top notch. He got me a very nice settlement without going to court. Derek
  • We contacted Jim Cunningham to help guide us through the "maize" of possible outcomes in settling with insurance companies, medical bills, and even police investigation with the accident. David
  • Cunningham worked hard was professional, supportive, diligent and always maintained contact. I am very satisfied with the service that him and his team provided. Mr Cunningham is a lawyer that will work for you. Dezhaun
  • I consulted with several attorneys, but as soon as I met James Cunningham, I knew he was the right attorney for me. He immediately expressed concern for my well-being, and his compassionate, professional manner put me at ease. Diane