By Joanna Putman
Police1
BUNNELL, Fla. — A man is in custody after leading Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies on “possibly the slowest chase in [the department’s] history” following an alleged hit-and-run, according to a department news release.
On Sept. 25, a man carjacked a vehicle and forced the victim into the vehicle’s passenger seat, the sheriff’s office said. After taking control of the vehicle and refusing to drive faster than 15 to 20 mph, the man ordered the victim to get into the driver’s seat. They stopped to switch seats, but the suspect suddenly ran into the street, waving at passing cars before getting into the passenger seat. Just as the victim was about to drive, the suspect kicked him out and took off with the car.
Deputies said the suspect later caused a hit-and-run crash, according to the release. The crash victim told deputies that the car the suspect was driving came to a sudden stop in front of their vehicle, leaving no time to avoid a collision.
Authorities located the suspect and deployed spike strips. Despite deputies’ commands broadcast through a public address system, the suspect continued to slowly flee and made several U-turns before driving into a ditch.
In heavy rain, three deputies approached the SUV and broke a rear window, video shows. The suspect exited the vehicle with his hands up, complied with orders, and lied on the ground to be handcuffed.
The sheriff’s office said during an encounter with the suspect in August, he verbally and physically assaulted deputies while resisting arrest.
“This dirtbag has a history of threatening and attacking Deputy Sheriffs, and during his recent criminal act he seriously injured a person in a crash and we wish them a speedy recovery,” Sheriff Rick Staly stated. “But for [the suspect,] it looks like he needs an extended stay at the Green Roof Inn. This guy needs to be locked up, so he doesn’t injure anyone else or kill someone with his actions.”
The suspect faces multiple charges, including simple battery, failing to stop after a crash involving serious injury, fleeing law enforcement, battery on an officer, resisting with violence and aggravated assault, according to the release.