- January 15, 2025
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by: Kristen Bates, CMC, CBTO
City Clerk/Administrative Services Director, City of Bunnell
On Saturday night, May 21, at 10:01 p.m., amid several severe thunderstorms, Flagler County Sheriff Office dispatch received a call about a reckless vehicle driving on the golf course in the Grand Reserve subdivision. A Bunnell police officer responded. About 10 minutes later, the officer reported finding a vehicle submerged in a pond near the 400 block of Grand Reserve Drive. Its tail lights were visible near the surface. The officer quickly stripped off his gun belt and entered the water alone in an effort to affect a rescue.
Underwater, the officer broke a rear window using a punch device. After clearing away the glass with his bare hands, the officer unfortunately was not able to reach the occupant. Responding deputies from Flagler County Sheriff's Office and firefighters from Flagler County Fire Rescue entered the water and removed the occupant, who was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast in full code.
The occupant of the vehicle was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The vehicle occupant’s name is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
The Florida Highway Patrol responded and assumed the investigation. The Bunnell officer was treated and later released at AdventHealth for several cuts to both hands.
Please contact the Bunnell Police Department at 386-437-7508 for any additional information on this arrest.
