Driver found dead in stolen RV after standoff with Lake County deputies identified

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By James Tutten

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Lake County said they are investigating after a man was found dead inside of a stolen RV following a standoff that shut down U.S. Highway 27 early Wednesday.

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Deputies said they used stop sticks on the RV during a pursuit around 2 a.m.

The RV was stolen a few weeks ago out of Flagler County, deputies said.

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Officials said the driver inside, identified as Richard William, 37, of Ocala, was driving erratically before they stopped it.

Deputies said they were unable to make contact with William and shut down US-27, believing he was barricaded inside.

A tip came in later that the driver had called someone in Alachua County saying he was surrounded by police and felt like he was overdosing.

Driver in stolen RV found dead after standoff with deputies on US-27 in Lake County

A Lake County SWAT team forced its way inside the RV after learning of the possible overdose and found William dead inside.

Deputies said no one else was found inside the RV and no shots were fired.

Officials said a medical examiner will confirm the man’s cause of death.

US-27 has reopened to drivers in the area.

Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

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