Man arrested in hit-and-run crash now facing additional charges with DNA link to firearm

Christian Melendez was also charged with trafficking heroin during Operation Heat Wave.


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  • | 9:54 a.m. October 9, 2019
Christian Melendez. Photo courtesy of the FCSO
Christian Melendez. Photo courtesy of the FCSO
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Story courtesy of the FCSO's Shannon Martin

 

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office served Christian Melendez, 20, with another warrant after new DNA evidence linked him to the firearm he threw from the window of his car while attempting to flee from deputies in March.

The new evidence was collected during Operation Heat Wave, where Melendez was charged with trafficking heroin. Deputies did not have to look very hard to serve Melendez with his warrant, as he is currently serving time at the Flagler County Jail for his previous arrest.

“When Melendez threw that gun out of his window, he gave no thought to where it might end up or the damage it could do in the wrong hands,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “He was only interested in one thing – getting away and getting rid of a gun. Thanks to our great detectives, undercover operations like ‘Operation Heat Wave,’ and using DNA technology he will be held accountable.”

Melendez was charged with tampering or fabricating physical evidence and possession of a firearm with an altered
serial number. He is being held without bond.

 

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