Flagler traffic stop escalates to high-speed chase, leads to arrest and recovery of missing child
A Routine Traffic Stop Turns into a High-Speed Pursuit
A routine traffic stop in Bunnell, Florida, took an unexpected and dangerous turn, resulting in a high-speed chase, the arrest of two individuals, and the recovery of a missing minor. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the incident began when deputies stopped a white Ford F-150 on U.S. Highway 1 near Whiteview Drive after receiving a call about suspicious activity.
The driver of the vehicle, Darnell Hairston, 60, of Hastings, and two juvenile passengers were asked to exit the car. During the stop, deputies discovered that one of the juveniles had been reported missing in St. Johns County. The minor was immediately secured in a patrol car for their safety.
A Dangerous Escape Attempt
As the situation unfolded, Hairston attempted to flee the scene. According to FCSO, during a brief struggle, he allegedly tried to grab a deputy's firearm. This action led to his arrest and the filing of charges including resisting an officer with violence and attempting to deprive a law enforcement officer of their firearm.
Meanwhile, the second juvenile passenger, a 15-year-old, jumped into the truck and sped away. Deputies quickly initiated a pursuit along U.S. 1 and State Road 100.
A High-Speed Chase Ends in a Crash
Near the Putnam County line, the 15-year-old allegedly rammed the vehicle into a deputy's patrol car, causing both vehicles to crash into the woods. The truck rolled over multiple times as a result of the collision.
The 15-year-old was arrested on several charges, including aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, driving without a license, and resisting an officer without violence.
Background on the Arrested Individuals
Hairston is currently being held without bond. He is a registered sexual offender who was released from the Florida Department of Corrections in 2009 after serving five years of a 12-year sentence for false imprisonment. His arrest history includes charges of aggravated assault, burglary, and sexual battery.
Sheriff Rick Staly expressed his gratitude that no one was seriously hurt during the incident and praised the efforts of the deputies involved. "I am thankful that nobody was seriously hurt and that we were able to recover a missing child from this pervert’s grasp," Staly said. "Clearly, he has not learned anything."
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the relationship between Hairston and the missing juvenile is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Key Details of the Incident
- Vehicle: White Ford F-150
- Location: U.S. Highway 1 near Whiteview Drive, Bunnell
- Driver: Darnell Hairston, 60, of Hastings
- Juveniles Involved: Two minors, one of whom was reported missing
- Charges Against Hairston: Resisting an officer with violence, attempting to deprive a law enforcement officer of their firearm
- Charges Against 15-Year-Old: Aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, driving without a license, and resisting an officer without violence
- Outcome: Recovery of a missing minor, arrests of both individuals, and ongoing investigation
Posting Komentar