- October 31, 2024
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By: Flagler County Sheriff's Office Public Affairs Officer Shannon Martin, courtesy of the FCSO.
Shortly after 4:30 a.m. the morning of July 5, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from Palm Coast Ford in reference to multiple stolen vehicles.
The caller, a Palm Coast Ford security guard, told dispatch that multiple suspects were currently attempting to steal at least two Mustang convertibles from the car lot and that one of the cars had just crashed in the parking lot and appeared to be disabled.
FCSO deputies arrived on scene and immediately established a perimeter. The FCSO K9 unit assisted in the search for additional suspects. After two hours, the search was ended.
Simultaneously, other FCSO units observed a black Mustang without a license plate and Palm Coast Ford markings merge onto Interstate 95 south. FCSO began an attempt to apprehend the vehicle, which reached speeds up to 80 mph. FCSO requested assistance from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) and Air One as the suspect continued traveling southbound on I-95, eventually merging onto Interstate 4.
VCSO deputies deployed stop sticks in the path of the Mustang and successfully deflated a rear tire. However, the Mustang still continued traveling westbound on I-4 and exited onto Orange Camp Road in Deland. The Mustang came to a stop on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard where the driver, 19-year-old Hollins Mills, and a 15-year-old passenger attempted to flee the area.
After a brief search, VCSO deputies discovered Mills and the 15-year-old hiding in a pool located behind a residence on West Lake Victoria Circle in Deland. Mills and the 15-year-old were immediately taken into custody. Investigation discovered that the 15-year-old and Mills were both Deland residents.
Further investigation revealed that a third Mustang was stolen from Palm Coast Ford. FCSO is currently following leads on its whereabouts.
“This is great teamwork by our deputies and our neighboring agencies, especially Volusia County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This case is still active and we are following additional leads. I am thankful that no one was injured during the pursuit and that we were able to return two of the stolen vehicles back to Palm Coast Ford. To the suspects that are on the run, I encourage them to turn themselves in. We will find you. It is only a matter of time.”
Hollins Mills is currently in custody at the Volusia County Jail. He is charged with grand theft auto and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, and is being held without bond.
The 15-year-old was charged with grand theft auto.
They will face additional charges in Flagler County, including fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement.
Anyone with nformation on this case is asked to contact the FCSO at 386-313-4911 or email [email protected].
