Sanford Man Behind Bars After Carjacking, Fleeing, Ramming Patrol Car

Date Added: March 01, 2018 1:40 pm

Andrew Gant
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

SANFORD MAN BEHIND BARS AFTER CARJACKING, FLEEING, RAMMING PATROL CAR

A Sanford man is behind bars after carjacking a woman, ramming a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office patrol car and fleeing law enforcement at high speed into Seminole County, where he wound up bailing, running and finally giving up to Seminole law enforcement officers who had him surrounded.

The incident yesterday morning started in DeLand, where deputies responded to 1871 W. New York Ave. in reference to a disturbance which turned out to be a carjacking. Deputies arrived on scene and contacted the victim, who advised her ex-boyfriend, 29-year-old John McGowen (DOB 6/15/1988) falsely imprisoned her, battered her and then took her vehicle. The vehicle was spotted near the VCSO District 2 office, where McGowen rammed a patrol car which tactically parked to keep him from fleeing.

After fleeing at high speed into Seminole County, McGowen was apprehended thanks to the assistance of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Sanford Police Department.

Related to this incident: Another patrol car was involved in a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of SR 44 and N. Spring Garden Av. while responding with lights and sirens active to the first patrol who was rammed. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries to those involved in any of these incidents.

McGowen is in the Seminole County Jail today facing charges that include carjacking, fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement and aggravated battery on LEO, in addition to charges on several outstanding warrants.