JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — A joint shooting investigation led by Jackson County authorities has resulted in the arrest of seven people for possession of firearms and trafficking drugs in the Marianna area.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Marianna Police Department with a joint investigation into the recent series of shooting incidents on Monday.
Authorities say the investigation also included the distribution of illicit narcotics suspected to be regularly sold and distributed by Anthony Curri Theodore Edwards, aka Pharoah.
During the investigation, Edwards along with Eric Nelson Jordan were observed purchasing a firearm (SKS assault style rifle) and ammunition at the Outpost Gun store located on Penn Ave.
Deputies say Jordan purchased a gun for Edwards and Edwards purchased a quantity of 7.62X39 ammunition, a quantity of .223 ammunition, and a quantity of .40 Cal ammunition.
Edwards and Jordan were then followed to the Big/Little store where investigators decided to take enforcement action.
Jordan was observed exiting the vehicle and entering the store while Edwards remained in the driver’s seat.
Investigators say they attempted to pin Edwards’ 2019 Dodge Ram rental truck at the gas pumps, however, Edwards was able to maneuver his vehicle around a marked patrol unit and enter into the intersection of Hwy 90 and Penn Ave.
Edwards then led deputies on a 6.6-mile 7-minute chase at speeds in excess of over 100 MPH, according to JCSO.
The pursuit ended in a wooded area off of Baker Creek Road where Edwards was captured and taken into custody.
During a search of the vehicle, investigators located 2 military style ballistic vests, a ski mask, the ammunition purchase by Edwards, and a large quantity of cash that is suspected to be the proceeds of the sales of illegal narcotics.
A subsequent attempt to locate Jordan at his known residence was conducted in the Cypress area.
While attempting to locate Jordan, investigators say Michael Garner, Mary Dykes, Bryn Spivey, CheyaneLeggio, and Temperance Thomas were all located at a suspected location where Jordan traveled.
The suspects did not cooperate with deputies in the attempt to locate Jordan.
When investigators entered the home they found Crystal Meth.
A Further search of the home revealed a quantity of Synthetic Marijuana, Marijuana, and additional quantities of Meth.
They also found a bag of Ecstasy or MDMA tablets.
Investigators say a handgun and more Meth was found inside of another home during the search for Jordan.
Later in the evening, Jordan surrendered himself to the Marianna Police Department.
As a result of this investigation, a total of seven people were arrested on drug trafficking and weapon related charges.
Authorities say the investigation is on going and further arrests are anticipated.
Arrested:
Anthony Curri Theodore Edwards
25 YOA Male
Marianna, FL
Convicted Felon in Possession of Ammunition
Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm (3cts)
Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement
Resisting an Officer w/o Violence
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Eric Nelson Jordan Jr.
27 YOA Male
Marianna, FL
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Michael Christopher Garner
34 YOA Female
Chattahoochee, FL
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (K2)
Possession of Marijuana Over 20 grams
Cheyane Nicole Leggio
20 YOA Female
Marianna, FL
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (K2)
Possession of Marijuana Over 20 grams
Bryn Martin Spivey
30 YOA Male
Marianna, FL
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (K2)
Possession of Marijuana Over 20 grams
Temperance Adeline Thomas
22 YOA Female
Pembroke Pines, FL
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (K2)
Possession of Marijuana Over 20 grams
Mary Broxton Dykes
71 YOA Female
Marianna, FL
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- Methamphetamine
Possession of Synthetic Marijuana (K2)
Possession of Marijuana Over 20 grams