The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a North Port man for Possession of a Firearm, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and more, after he fled from deputies following a reported battery.

Deputies initially responded to the 5600 block of Clark Road in Sarasota just before 2:00 a.m. Tuesday, for the report of a battery. According to the victim, she and Sean Cone, DOB 04/12/93, were involved in an argument when Cone attempted to steal her phone and then successfully stole her keys and fled in the victim’s vehicle. Deputies pursued Cone but quickly cancelled the pursuit in an abundance of caution for public safety. Cone proceeded southbound on I-75 until eventually crashing at the Laurel Road exit where he fled on foot. After a short pursuit, deputies took Cone into custody where they recovered a .22 caliber handgun and drug paraphernalia. 

Cone, of 3344 Needle Terrace, is charged with Fleeing to Elude, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Narcotic Equipment. He remains in custody on $11,000 bond. Cone was released from prison in August 2018 and has prior arrests for Burglary, Aggravated Battery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Grand Theft.