A Manatee County man remains behind bars after a violent domestic dispute escalated into a high-speed chase with law enforcement on February 28, 2025, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies report that the suspect, identified as Derek Thomas Jones, age 42, was arrested after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend at their Ellenton home before fleeing from deputies at speeds exceeding 110 mph.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office stated that the incident began when Jones and the victim returned home from drinking at a friend’s house. Authorities say an argument between the couple quickly turned violent when Jones reportedly slammed the woman into a wall, leaving a visible imprint of her makeup. According to the Sheriff’s Office, he then threw her to the ground and tossed her phone across the room.
When the victim attempted to retrieve her phone and hide, law enforcement says Jones allegedly attacked her again, slamming her into the wall and choking her with his arms. Deputies say the victim managed to dial 911 before Jones fled the scene in his silver 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the victim called law enforcement at approximately 11:19 p.m. and reported that the defendant had returned home. Deputies responded to the scene and encountered the suspect. Law enforcement states that Jones refused to comply with instructions and got into his Mitsubishi and fled the residence. Police lost track of him in the Parkwood Lakes subdivision.
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Deputy Geis spotted Jones’ vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Old Tampa Road. Officers attempted to stop him, but authorities say he refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit. Police chased Jones northbound on Ft Hamer Rd, then northbound on US 301 N to SR 62.
Law enforcement officials say Jones ran multiple red lights and continued eastbound on SR 62, reaching speeds of up to 110 mph. The Sheriff’s Office reports he ground pursuit was terminated for safety reasons, but the aviation unit continued tracking the suspect’s vehicle. However, authorities say Jones eventually slowed his vehicle to a stop around 11:59 p.m., allowing deputies to conduct a felony takedown and take him into custody without further incident.
After being taken to jail, deputies say a secondary interview with the victim revealed that when Jones initially returned home before fleeing, he had also slapped the victim in the face before running out the back door.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reports that Jones now faces multiple charges, including domestic battery by strangulation and felony fleeing to elude. As of March 15th, 2025, Jones is still being held at the Manatee County Jail.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, seek help immediately. Call 911 in an emergency or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support and resources.
The details from this story are from the Manatee Sheriff’s Office probable cause affidavit, which you may view/download a PDF of here, or view the images below…
