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Man Accused of Almost Running Down Police Officer

Laquentin R. Johnson
Laquentin R. Johnson

A Gainesville man is in jail after police say he tried to hit an officer with his car before locking himself in his apartment for more than an hour.

Laquentin R. Johnson, 24, almost caused an accident Saturday morning when he made a U-turn in the 3300 block of Southwest 34th street, according to an arrest report. 

A Gainesville Police officer followed Johnson into the Ridgemar Commons apartment complex down the street, according to the report.

The officer flashed the patrol car's lights and sounded its siren as Johnson drove. The officer got out of his car once Johnson reached a dead end and approached with a gun drawn, according to the report.

Johnson backed his girlfriend's 2006 Chrysler toward the officer, who jumped out of the way as Johnson struck the patrol car's right front, according to the report.

Johnson ran from his car. The officer chased him nearly 200 yards to his apartment. After an hourlong standoff with police, Johnson surrendered, according to the report.

His license was suspended indefinitely Sept. 8, 2010.

He's charged with aggravated battery on an officer, resisting an officer without violence, driving with a suspended license and fleeing police. He's held in Alachua County Jail in lieu of a $11,500 bond.