Fleeing West Virginia Duo Arrested


News Release #: 17-109 - MAY 4, 2017

Wesley Hudnall   Brandy Jo Neal
Wesley Hudnall                          Brandy Jo Neal

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people from West Virginia on Wednesday afternoon after they fled from deputies and trespassed on a Venice elementary school.

Deputies were first alerted to the suspects when they noticed the license plate on the suspect’s Dodge minivan traced back to a pickup truck out of West Virginia. When deputies activated their lights and sirens, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop near the area of Jacaranda Boulevard and Tamiami Trail, the driver fled southbound reaching dangerous speeds. Deputies cancelled the pursuit in an abundance of caution for other drivers on the road. A short time later, two suspects matching the description from the attempted traffic stop, were seen on the campus of Taylor Ranch Elementary School. Sarasota County Schools enacted a brief lockdown of the campus while deputies searched for the suspects. Just before noon, deputies located Wesley Hudnall, DOB 06/19/86, and Brandy Jo Neal, DOB 06/24/82, in a residential area near the intersection of National Boulevard and Copperleaf Drive. Hudnall was in possession of plastic knuckles with spikes and Neal was carrying a folding knife however, both were taken into custody without incident.

Hudnall is charged with Trespassing School Property with a Weapon, Grand Theft of a Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, Driving While License Suspended, and Attached Tag Not Assigned. He remains in custody today on $4,740 bond. Neal is charged with Trespassing School Property with a Weapon, Grand Theft of a Vehicle and Attached Tag Not Assigned. She remains in custody today on $3,120 bond.