An Ocala man was arrested for driving without a valid driver’s license Monday afternoon after a Marion County detective who had arrested him for the same offense earlier this year saw him climb behind the wheel and drive away from a gas station.
According to a sheriff’s office report, the detective watched Jimmy Leon Strickland, 39, enter the white Dodge Neon with three passengers in the parking lot of the Circle K at 5201 S. Hwy. 441.
After watching Strickland drive away, the detective quickly initiated a traffic stop in the 2900 block of SE 52nd Street. Strickland initially denied being the driver, but eventually admitted that he was and that he knew his license was suspended.
A deputy who assisted with the traffic stop confirmed that Strickland had received notice of the suspension by court order regarding a prior violation for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
A computer check also showed the deputy numerous “suspicions” for failure to pay court financial obligations, as well as the fact that Strickland’s license was revoked for one year on Aug. 10, 1998 for driving while under the influence.
Strickland was transported to the Marion County Jail and charged with knowingly driving with a suspended or revoked license. He was held on $10,000 bond.