- October 30, 2024
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By: Shannon Martin
Public Affairs Officer, Flagler County Sheriff's Office
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received a “Be on the Lookout” for a stolen tan 2008 Ford Super Duty pickup truck from North Carolina at 11:50 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13.
While searching the area, deputies located the vehicle driving north bound on Old Kings Road and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as 27-year-old Eliott Watkins, pulled into the RaceTrac on Old Kings Road and State Road 100. After seeing the deputy’s. Watkins fled the area.
Deputies followed Watkins’ vehicle north bound on Old Kings Rd where he was exceeding over 70 mph. From there, Watkins drove into oncoming traffic, onto sidewalks and crossing all lanes of traffic driving recklessly. He also swerved in front of patrol cars, across Belle Terre Parkway into oncoming traffic, and jumped the center median. Watkins drove off the road and onto the grass under the power lines behind Emerson Drive. Watkins continued driving down the utility access road until he lost control of the vehicle, spun out and then fled on foot.
A short time later, deputies’ located Watkins running across the golf course near East Hampton Boulevard and pursued him on foot. Watkins finally surrendered, at gunpoint, on Elder Drive. Watkins was drenched with fresh water and had mud dripping from his clothing and shoes.
When questioned by deputies, Watkins originally gave a false name. Further investigation revealed that Watkins’ driver’s license was not valid. When asked how he obtained possession of the stolen vehicle, Watkins stated that he had received the vehicle from a “friend” in exchange for “dope.”
Watkins was unable to provide any more information.
“This is another great example of how the FCSO is committed to working with agencies everywhere to stop crime,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This guy has made a slew of bad decisions. One was stealing the car in the first place, another thinking he could hideout in Flagler County and lastly trying to hide from our deputies, who did an outstanding job apprehending this guy with no injuries to deputies or citizens. Crime stops in Flagler County and if you test us and run from FCSO you will only go to the Green Roof Inn tired and in this case wet and muddy.”
Watkins was arrested and taken to the Flagler County Jail. He is charged with fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, resisting an officer without violence, grand theft of a motor vehicle, driving without a license, and giving a false name to law enforcement. He is being held on a $27,500 bond.
