Crime
Low-Speed Walmart Parking Lot Chase Leads to Meth Trafficking Arrest for Cantonment Man
A Cantonment man was arrested for meth trafficking following a low-speed chase through a Walmart parking lot. Charlie Clifford Davis, 55, was charged after deputies found 21.9 grams of meth and 12.8 grams of marijuana in his vehicle.
Last updated:
Pensacola, Fl. NewsWK — What began as erratic driving along West Nine Mile Road escalated into a lights-and-siren pursuit through a busy Walmart parking lot, ending in a felony meth trafficking arrest for a Cantonment man.
Incident Overview
According to arrest reports from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO), the incident began when a marked patrol unit observed a white pickup truck crossing the center line multiple times and improperly stopping at the intersection of West Nine Mile Road and Pensacola Boulevard.
The deputy followed the pickup truck into the Walmart parking lot at 8970 Pensacola Boulevard and activated emergency lights and sirens. Instead of pulling over, the driver—identified as Charlie Clifford Davis, 55, of Cantonment—slowed down but continued driving northbound through the parking lot.
During the low-speed pursuit, deputies observed Davis frantically reaching around the passenger seat, causing the pickup to make sudden, jerky movements. With his passenger-side window rolled down, Davis executed an abrupt U-turn in the parking lot before pulling into the adjacent Murphy USA gas station and coming to a halt.
Even after stopping, Davis continued reaching around inside the cab before finally exiting the vehicle and surrendering to deputies’ verbal commands.
Evidence and Narcotics Recovered
An ECSO K-9 unit arrived at the scene and alerted to probable cause for a vehicle search. During their investigation, deputies recovered:
- Inside the Truck Cab: Approximately 17.9 grams of shattered white crystalline shards scattered across the interior, heavily coating the inside passenger door panel right next to the open window.
- In the Parking Lot: Near the gas station entrance where Davis made his sharp U-turn, deputies located an additional 4 grams of the same white substance on the pavement.
- In the Bushes: A clear plastic bag containing 12.8 grams of marijuana was found discarded in a bush immediately adjacent to where the truck was parked.
The white crystalline substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine, bringing the total amount recovered to 21.9 grams.
Suspect Background and Formal Charges
When questioned by law enforcement, Davis admitted to smoking marijuana but denied ownership of the bag found in the bush. Regarding the methamphetamine, Davis claimed he was “clean” and no longer smoked the drug.
A check of state records revealed Davis has 10 prior convictions for driving with a suspended license, with his driver’s license remaining actively revoked since 1994. His most recent license suspension stemmed from a conviction for fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
Charlie Clifford Davis, 55, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on the following charges:
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (14 grams or over)
- Tampering with Physical Evidence in a criminal proceeding
- Possession of Marijuana
- Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License (3rd or subsequent offense)
Jail records indicate Davis was subsequently released after posting a $108,500 bond.
Case Summary at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Defendant | Charlie Clifford Davis (Age 55, Cantonment, FL) |
| Location | 8970 Pensacola Blvd (Walmart / Murphy USA) |
| Arresting Agency | Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) |
| Narcotics Seized | 21.9 grams Methamphetamine, 12.8 grams Marijuana |
| Bond Amount | $108,500 (Posted) |
| Original Reporting | NorthEscambia.com |
