On August 31, 2023, an intense operation unfolded as the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the Arcadia Police Department came together to arrest Barry Dean McBurney Jr., who was facing a range of charges including Battery, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Officer, and Violation of Probation for Possession of Controlled Substance.
McBurney managed to evade deputies on foot and carjacked a vehicle before taking off on a high-speed chase that spanned multiple counties. With speeds exceeding 100 mph, he raced through the city of Arcadia, DeSoto, Manatee and Hillsborough counties. During the chase, McBurney even rammed into one of our deputy’s patrol vehicles, and attempted to hit another! But justice prevailed as the combined efforts of DCSO, APD, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies and aviation unit worked together. After several attempts, the pursuit ended off I-75 exit 250 after deputies stopped the vehicle with spike strips, and DCSO blocked him in, leading to his apprehension.
Barry McBurney now faces charges for local warrants in addition to Carjacking, Aggravated Battery of Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Officer without Violence, Aggravated Flee to Elude and Driving while License Suspended.
Here is your reminder to those who think they can evade justice: DCSO won’t back down! We WILL find and capture you. The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we stand united against ANY threat.
Sheriff Potter is thankful that all the deputies involved in this pursuit are safe. He extends his heartfelt gratitude to our fellow law enforcement agencies who showed incredible teamwork, coordination and dedication throughout this operation. This is a reminder of the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement community to ensure the safety of our surrounding counties.
