The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to help locate John Riehm, 34, who is wanted after an alleged incident on Wednesday in which he struck a deputy and the deputy’s patrol vehicle with his own car while attempting to flee a traffic stop.
Incident details
According to a statement posted on the sheriff’s official social‑media channels, deputies attempted to take Riehm into custody on active warrants. Body‑worn camera footage released by the office shows Riehm resisting the officers, then using his vehicle to hit both the deputy and the deputy’s patrol car before speeding away.
The deputy involved was reported to be “OK” after the collision, and no serious injuries were noted. Riehm was able to evade arrest and remains at large.
Public assistance requested
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who saw Riehm or who has any knowledge of his whereabouts to contact them at 352‑793‑2621. Calls can also be made to Crimeline at 1‑800‑423‑8477, where callers can remain anonymous.
Law‑enforcement officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation in locating the suspect quickly, noting that the safety of both deputies and the public depends on swift action.
Background on the traffic stop
The traffic stop occurred in the Wildwood area of Sumter County, a region that has seen a recent increase in vehicle‑related incidents involving law‑enforcement officers. While the sheriff’s office has not released further details about the original reason for the stop, they confirmed that Riehm was already the subject of active warrants at the time.
Deputies in Sumter County have been working to reduce violent encounters on the road, and this incident underscores the challenges officers face when individuals choose to resist lawful orders.
How to report tips
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office directly or use the anonymous tip line provided by Crimeline. The department assures that all tips will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly.
Community members are reminded that providing accurate information can help law‑enforcement protect public safety and bring the suspect to justice.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
