Man arrested after fleeing deputy

SPRING HILL – Michael Oconnor, 43, was arrested Wednesday night after driving erratically and running away from a sheriff’s deputy, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

In an arrest report, Deputy James Baker wrote that he saw Oconnor driving a Buick Century north in the 4300 block of Commercial Way into oncoming traffic, and the deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop. But Oconnor did not stop, the report says, and ran two stop signs and cut off a vehicle. The Buick abruptly stopped in front of 4364 Commercial Way, and Oconnor took off running, the report states.

When Baker caught up with Oconnor, the man said he ran because he was scared. Neither drugs nor alcohol were believed to be involved, the arrest report states.

Oconnor, of Freeport Drive, was arrested on charges of reckless driving and resisting an officer without violence. He was released after posting $750 bail Thursday.

Court records show Oconnor was convicted of driving under the influence in 2008.