On January 26, 2025, a Lake County deputy was actively patrolling the area of CR 439 in Eustis when they ran a query of a license plate that revealed the vehicle was stolen. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver, identified as Dale Jones, was removed and secured in handcuffs. Post Miranda, the defendant advised he knew he should not be driving the vehicle and that it did not belong to him. It was also determined that the defendants driver’s license was suspended. A search of his person revealed approximately 0.5 grams of methamphetamine in his wallet, along with a credit card belonging to the victim and owner of the vehicle. The stolen vehicle was turned over to the owner, and the defendant was transported to the Lake County jail.
