A Mexican national is facing a felony charge after he allegedly struck a federal agent and fled the scene during an Orange County traffic stop last week, prompting a multi-agency manhunt that ended with his arrest in Levy County.
On Tuesday, June 16, the Florida Highway Patrol’s Criminal Alien Apprehension Team, working alongside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Americana Boulevard and Pointe Vista Circle in Orange County, according to a media release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
During the traffic stop, multiple occupants reportedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. An ICE agent pursued one of the fleeing subjects, identified as Elias Bautista, and attempted to detain him.
FLHSMV reported that Bautista, who authorities say entered the country illegally, actively resisted apprehension. A physical altercation ensued, and Bautista allegedly struck the ICE agent, causing the federal officer to sustain a “significant head injury.”
Bautista then reportedly fled the scene, prompting an extensive investigation to locate him. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and ICE investigators, alongside Homeland Security Investigations, utilized surveillance footage, witness interviews, and intelligence gathering to track Bautista’s whereabouts.
On Thursday, June 18, investigators conducted a targeted operation with assistance from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. Bautista was taken into custody after reportedly resisting law enforcement officers a second time.
Bautista is currently being charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, which is a felony offense.
“The incident in Orange County serves as a stark reminder of the dangers all law enforcement face when individuals choose to violently resist lawful authority,” stated FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “We remain focused on ensuring that those who endanger our officers or our communities are held fully accountable, especially those who should have never been in our country to begin with.”
ERO Miami Field Office Director Matthew Elliston echoed those sentiments, noting a massive nationwide increase in violence and threats against federal officers.
“Assaulting and obstructing law enforcement officers is a felony, and anyone who does so will be fully prosecuted,” said Elliston. “ICE officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults, a 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats. This is unacceptable.”