A 23-year-old Aragon man was arrested after allegedly fleeing from deputies and attempting to hide in a wooded area, authorities said. Ryan Douglas Savalli, of Aragon, is charged with public drunkenness, driving on a suspended license and resisting a police officer.
According to reports from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence after receiving information about a male subject on the property. While speaking with a homeowner, an individual pointed toward a house across the street, where deputies observed a man running behind the residence.
Deputies, including Sgt. Mitchell and Cpl. Goodrich, began searching the area with assistance from a neighbor. The neighbor reported that his dogs were barking near a nearby driveway and gave deputies permission to search his property. When deputies arrived, they observed two horses in a pasture appearing agitated and staring toward the wood line.
As deputies approached the wooded area, they reportedly saw a white male running back toward a house. Authorities said commands were given for him to stop, but he continued fleeing on foot into the woods. Deputies surrounded the property and could hear movement through the trees.
Family members, identified as the suspect’s mother, sister and girlfriend, arrived on scene and were asked to call him. Deputies were ultimately able to locate the suspect in the wooded area and took him into custody.
Authorities identified the man as Savalli. Deputies assisted him over a barbed wire fence before securing him in handcuffs. According to the report, deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from Savalli, who allegedly had slurred speech, watery bloodshot eyes and difficulty walking without assistance.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Savalli agreed to speak with deputies. Authorities said he initially claimed he did not know law enforcement officers were present until he saw patrol lights, then later stated he did not see the lights but heard yelling without understanding what was said.
Savalli was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and turned over to jail staff without further incident. A deputy later reported reviewing video footage that allegedly showed Savalli at a nearby residence driving away on a four-wheeler.
Savalli faces one count of public drunkenness, one count of driving while license suspended or revoked, and one count of resisting a police officer.
