- October 29, 2024
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On May 18 just before 3 a.m., the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on a black Jeep Wrangler traveling on Belle Terre Parkway for having a partial vehicle tag obstruction.
Once the deputy activated his emergency lights, the vehicle fled accelerating onto Whiteview Parkway and through residential neighborhoods. The deputy then deactivated his emergency lights and began following the Jeep from a distance until reaching Pine Grove Drive where stop-sticks were successfully deployed disabling the vehicle.
Deputies then conducted a felony traffic stop on the vehicle and detained the driver, a 14-year old female, and her 15-year-old passenger.
Further investigation revealed that the juvenile driver was not old enough to be issued a Florida Driver’s License and was subsequently placed under arrest for Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Florida Driver’s License, a misdemeanor, and Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, a felony.
“These kids thought they could go out for a joy ride and then flee from our deputies,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing all the time. This time the parents only have to buy a new tire but trying to evade the law enforcement is dangerous to everyone involved. Our deputies did a great job to safety stop this joy ride. I hope she can learn from this experience and get on the right path to be a law abiding teenager.”
The juvenile driver was charged with Operating a Vehicle without a License and Fleeing and Eluding, a felony. She was released to her parents after deputies contacted the Department of Juvenile Justice in Daytona Beach. The passenger was released at the scene to the custody of his parents. The vehicle belonged to the passenger's parents.
AXON Dashboard Camera footage of the felony traffic stop can be viewed HERE.