Undercover drug buying in Bradenton is turning violent, according to the sheriff’s office. Two men arrested

Two men are in jail after an undercover drug deal turned violent, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Jacob Harris, 24, and Jeremiah Burks, 23, are charged with armed robbery and a list of other crimes after the sheriff’s office said they held an undercover detective at gunpoint a weapon and led officers on a chase through Bradenton.

Burks is also charged with attempted murder after the sheriff’s office said he shot a deputy during the chase.

Clandestine drug operation goes wrong

On September 25 around 10 a.m., the sheriff’s office said an undercover detective was in the backseat of Harris and Burks’ SUV after purchasing drugs from the men.

Harris and Burks then allegedly pointed guns at the detective and demanded he hand over his wallet, according to deputies. The sheriff’s office says the detective gave the men his remaining cash and attempted to exit the vehicle, but the men locked the rear doors and prevented him from exiting. After a few moments, the men unlocked the doors and the detective fled, according to a news release.

The sheriff’s office said the two men left in the SUV. Other undercover detectives pursued Harris and Burks before the men crashed their SUV into a ditch at East 19th Street and East 36th Avenue in Bradenton, according to the release.

Shots fired in Bradenton neighborhood, sheriff says

Detectives say the two began running into a yard when Burks turned and fired several shots at another undercover detective as she pulled into a driveway.

No one was hit by the gunfire and no injuries were reported, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies caught up with Harris and Burks and placed them under arrest.

Both men face several charges related to the incident.

Harris is charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, conspiracy to view of selling a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and fleeing to elude.

Burks also faces charges of attempted murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy to sell a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

Both men remain in custody at the Manatee County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office website.