The suspects were wanted in connection to a burglary in St. Johns County, police said.
BUNNELL, Fla. — A pursuit involving suspects linked to a burglary resulted in the tragic death of an uninvolved motorist following a head-on collision in Flagler County, as reported by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were informed early in the day that three individuals suspected of being involved in vehicle burglaries in St. Johns County had crossed into Flagler County in a gray Chevrolet Suburban.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., law enforcement observed the speeding SUV heading south on I-95. The suspects diverted onto Old Dixie Highway where deputies employed Stop Sticks, but the vehicle, having anti-deflating tires, continued to evade arrest.
The pursuit proceeded onto U.S. Highway 1, with deputies reporting that the suspects dangerously maneuvered through traffic and clipped a sheriff’s office vehicle. As the SUV turned onto an I-95 exit ramp, it crashed head-on into another vehicle.
Following the crash, the three suspects fled into nearby woods but were quickly apprehended by deputies. The driver of the other vehicle was airlifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries later. The driver’s identity has yet to be disclosed.
Sheriff Rick Staly expressed sorrow over the situation, stating, “It is with great sadness that the reckless actions of these individuals led to the heartbreaking loss of an innocent life. This criminal spree, which began with vehicle burglaries in St. Johns County, ended devastatingly with the death of an innocent person.”
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the traffic homicide investigation. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is handling the burglary cases, while FCSO is reviewing its deputies’ involvement in the pursuit.
First Coast News has reached out to SJSO for arrest reports related to this case.
