Ocala, Florida — On Friday, Marion County Sheriff’s deputies responded  to the Silver River Inn, located at 5565 East Silver Springs Boulevard, in reference to a domestic disturbance in progress.
Deputies reported that when they arrived, suspect Richard Sanders, 26, was already attempting to flee the scene.
Sanders led deputies on a high speed chase through Marion, Citrus, and Levy counties.
According to reports, during the chase Sanders purposely rear-ended a MCSO patrol car. The deputy driving the patrol vehicle was attempting to “box” the suspect in, and end the chase.
During the chase, Sanders also allegedly tossed a baggie of methamphetamine from his vehicle.
Sanders drove erratically, travelled into oncoming traffic, and avoided the deployment of 7 to 8 sets of stop sticks.
The pursuit came to an end in Levy County, just south of Highway 464 and Highway 41, when a MCSO deputy was finally able to perform a PIT maneuver on Sanders’ vehicle.
The SUV then flipped onto its side.
According to reports, once the vehicle was disabled, Sanders fled the scene on foot, at which time k-9 Sig was deployed.
K-9 Sig attempted to apprehend Sanders, however, he battered K-9 Sig by grabbing the dog around the throat and throwing him off his person.
The relentless K-9 recovered quickly, and was able to apprehend Sanders.
The victim told deputies that Sanders had been beating her for the past week, which included Friday morning.
Deputies reported that there were signs of physical abuse on the woman’s body.
Sanders, along with two other passengers that were in his vehicle, were transported to a local hospital and are expected to recover.
The MCSO deputy that was rear-ended was treated for his injuries, and K-9 Sig was unharmed.
Sanders was charged with Domestic Battery, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Battery on a Police Dog, Aggravated Fleeing, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Sanders was still in the hospital at the time this article was published.
The investigation is ongoing.