Suspect Charged with Kidnapping and Armed Robbery After Drug Deal Goes Bad

BROOKSVILLE – Yesterday evening, R News reported what was originally believed to be a shooting in the area Dallas Drive and Spring Lake Highway, but officials now say it was a violent drug deal gone bad.

According to a statement from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, 911 received a call about a man trying to flag down motorists. The man eventually flagged down a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper and advised that he had just been robbed at gunpoint.

The investigation soon revealed that the victim had driven to a residence on Dallas Drive to sell drugs to the suspect, 36-year-old Dwayne Marcquize Harris. Once he arrived at the residence, Harris entered the victim's vehicle and handed over the drugs.

While the drug transaction was taking place, Harris brandished a firearm and pointed it at the victim while telling him he was going to take everything. While holding the victim at gunpoint, Harris then led the man to a nearby vehicle where he forced him to climb into the trunk.

The victim was eventually able to locate the emergency release latch, however upon opening the trunk Harris pointed a firearm at the victim and told him to stay in the trunk or he would kill him.

Moments later Harris re-opened the trunk and told the victim to get out and leave, but before leaving the victim retrieved a firearm and shot at Harris. The two subjects continued shooting at each other until Harris was struck in the leg.

The victim then drove to the intersection of Dallas Drive and Spring Lake Highway where he flagged down an FHP trooper.

While speaking to the Trooper, the victim observed Harris and his father, Loren Richardson driving past the intersection. The trooper attempted to have the driver pull over. However, Richardson proceeded to speed away. The trooper then initiated a pursuit.

The pursuit eventually came to an end in Pasco County when Richardson pulled over. Richardson was detained but Harris fled on foot.

Richardson explained that Harris asked him to drive him to the hospital and when he saw the victim talking the Trooper, he brandished the firearm again and pushed down on his father's leg to accelerate the vehicle.

During the pursuit, Harris tossed the firearm out of the window and hold his father to stop the vehicle. That's when Harris fled on foot.

Officials say Richardson was arrested by the FHP on a charge of Fleeing to Elude.

Pasco Sheriff's Deputies captured Harris in Pasco County and he was transported to a local trauma center for treatment of a gunshot wound to the leg.

Harris refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Harris was released this evening and booked into the Hernando County Jail on charges of Kidnapping and Armed Robbery. He is currently held without bond.