Pensacola man charged with helping suspected Cervantes hit-and-run driver evade capture

From staff reports | Pensacola News Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Watch: Cervantes suspect warned: 'You are No. 1 public enemy of Pensacola' The Pensacola Police Department identifies suspect in Cervantes Street hit-and-run.

Police have arrested a Pensacola man who allegedly helped the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run evade law enforcement, a Pensacola Police Department news release said.

Tadrian Rushing, 20, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact, a second-degree felony, for assisting Markquise Wallace avoid capture. Wallace has an active warrant for a deadly hit-and-run which occurred June 6 at M and Cervantes streets.

The hidden car

On June 14, local officials held a joint press conference that named Wallace as the suspect in the crash and informed the public he was driving a gray Lexus 350.

The investigation revealed shortly after the press conference, Rushing purchased a tarp, parked the Lexus 350 Wallace had been driving and hid it from view using the tarp, according to the release.

Detectives were able to find the vehicle later that same afternoon.

How Tadrian Rushing was arrested

Rushing, who had several active felony warrants of his own, was arrested Tuesday after being spotted by Sgt. Amy Parsons.

When Uniform Patrol units attempted to stop Rushing to arrest him for the felony warrants, he fled in his vehicle. He crashed at Davis Highway and Hart Drive, then fled on foot.

Officer Jose Matos was able to capture Rushing after a short foot chase and place him under arrest.

Police found a large amount of narcotics in Rushing’s possession, and as a result he faces several new charges.

Additional warrants and jail bond

In addition to the active warrants, Rushing was charged with fleeing and eluding, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer without violence, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment.

Rushing is being held in Escambia County Jail on $499,500 bond.

Investigators are still searching for Wallace, following leads both within the community and out of state. The investigation involving others who have assisted Wallace is continuing with more arrests anticipated.