“Known Florida gang member” arrested in drug raid

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – The Hernando County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) found drugs, weapons, body armor and a ballistic “police” shield during a search in Spring Hill.

With the assistance of the HCSO SWAT team, the HCSO executed a search warrant on Friday for a residence located at 6154 Ashland Drive.

When officers arrived, a man later identified as Steven Cline, 48, ran from the back of the home and was found in a neighbor's house next door. The HCSO said Cline was trying to evade arrest.

During the search, officers found drugs, weapons, body armor and a ballistic “police” shield that Cline claimed ownership of, according to the HCSO. An investigation determined the shield and body armor were acquired as a “trade” for drugs.

The search was the culmination of a months-long investigation that included multiple traffic stops at the residence and arrests for methamphetamine trafficking.

The HCSO has arrested three people in connection with the investigation.

Steven Cline is a “known gang member in Florida” with 14 felony convictions, according to HCSO. He was arrested and charged with resisting arrest without violence, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance (Suboxone), possession of cocaine, possession of alprazolam, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of a new, unknown drug without a prescription.

Ashley Dawn Cline, 37, was arrested and charged with drug probation violation, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance (Suboxone), possession of cocaine, possession of alprazolam, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of a novel drug without a prescription.

Darrell Floyd Kearce, 52, was arrested and charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.