Escambia Sheriff Covers Major Drug Arrest, Immigration Enforcement, Racial Profiling Response and MoreEscambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons joined Pensacola Morning News Tuesday with a wide-ranging up

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons joined Pensacola Morning News Tuesday with a wide-ranging update — including a dramatic drug arrest, an immigration enforcement action that stemmed from a stabbing call, and a direct response to a racial profiling report.

Man With 23 Prior Convictions Caught With Major Drug Stash

A 40-year-old man with 23 prior felony convictions is facing multiple drug trafficking charges after fleeing the back of an ambulance when he spotted sheriff's deputies approaching. Travis Montez Mitchell was originally found slumped over in a rental car when paramedics arrived. When deputies were called to the scene, he jumped out of the ambulance and ran — but didn't get far. A search of his rental car turned up 300 grams of methamphetamine, 17 grams of fentanyl, 25 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded .45 caliber handgun, digital scales, and plastic baggies. All three drug amounts exceed Florida's trafficking thresholds. Simmons expressed frustration that Mitchell had 23 prior convictions and was still on the street — and said he hopes this time the charges result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Stabbing Call Leads to Seven ICE Detainers

A stabbing investigation on Doris Avenue took an unexpected turn when deputies discovered all seven people at the address were in the country illegally. The stabbing victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and the suspect claimed self-defense — leaving deputies unable to make an arrest in the stabbing itself. However, Simmons says when undocumented status is discovered during any investigation, the agency acts on it. All seven were taken to jail for ICE processing. Simmons says being part of an ICE task force allowed deputies to handle the detainers quickly rather than waiting hours for federal agents to respond.

Racial Profiling Report — ECSO Not the Subject

Simmons addressed a USA Today Florida report citing a disproportionate ratio of Black drivers being searched during traffic stops — clarifying that the data in question applies exclusively to Florida Highway Patrol, not the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. He said his agency voluntarily tracks its own traffic stop data — documenting the reason for each stop, the race and sex of the driver, and the outcome — and reviews it regularly for signs of bias. He said ECSO's numbers have not reflected the ratios cited in the report.

BB Gun Bus Stop Shootings

Deputies are still looking for a suspect in two BB gun shooting incidents at ECAT bus stops on May 10th and 11th. A person in a white truck fired on individuals at two separate stops. Two people were struck with minor injuries. Simmons says the incidents could result in battery or aggravated assault charges.

Deputy Jeremy Cassidy — National Memorial

Sheriff Simmons is traveling to Washington DC Wednesday to add Deputy Jeremy Cassidy's name to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial — the third and final ceremony following local and state memorials held earlier. Cassidy died last year from injuries suffered in the line of duty years earlier.

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