3 Teens Flee in Stolen Car, Jump into Lake to Elude Deputies

Date Added: April 25, 2019 4:22 pm

Laura Williams: Office of
Media Relations & Public Affairs

Please see Air 1 video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ouaysIyH5ol7F1GkHpfsp00AWZxUbsOf

3 TEENS FLEE IN STOLEN CAR, JUMP INTO LAKE TO ELUDE OFFICERS
Volusia County Juveniles Charged With Multiple Car Burglaries

Three male juveniles suspected in vehicle burglaries in multiple jurisdictions fled from officers and jumped into a lake before they were apprehended in thick brush in Lake Helen.

The incident began just after 4 a.m. Wednesday when a DeLand resident reported a car break-in was in progress. Sheriff’s deputies and the sheriff’s helicopter Air 1 responded to help DeLand police search for the suspects. While searching, officers spotted a black Honda and tried to conduct a traffic stop but the car, which turned out to be stolen from Deltona, fled from deputies.

Air 1 tracked the Honda as it traveled with its lights off on east New York Avenue toward South Kepler Road. The vehicle continued into Lake Helen where it finally stopped at 650 S. Lakeview Dr. Three teens bailed out of the vehicle and fled on foot. During the entire incident, Air 1 tracked the teens and directed officers who were searching in the dark.

Sheriff’s deputies, along with a DeLand Police K-9 team, searched for the three, who ran into a marshy, heavily wooded area and then jumped into a lake.

While in the lake, two of the teens swam across toward Macy Avenue where they were apprehended. The third teen exited along the lake shore and led the K-9 and sheriff’s deputies through marsh and woods where he was apprehended by the K-9. He was bitten after refusing to comply with officers’ commands. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken to Advent Health of DeLand for further treatment.

Deputies found stolen property in the Honda, which was linked to vehicle burglaries in DeLand and DeBary. The teens were also linked to burglaries in Seminole County.

Two of the teens were taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The driver, age 15, was charged with fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest and driving without a license. He will also be charged with vehicle burglaries and auto theft. The second teen, age 16, was charged with resisting and had an active warrant for misdemeanor drug possession. The third teen, also 15, was charged with resisting arrest and turned over to DeLand police for their investigation.