Shocking Incident: Man Drives into Brevard County Canal with Ex-Partner, Authorities Report

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – John Lucas appeared visibly distraught upon learning that he would need to post a $157,500 bond to secure his release from jail. In court, he promptly requested a reduction in the bond amount.

“I’ll have an ankle monitor,” Lucas argued during his bond hearing, suggesting that the monitoring device would ensure his compliance with bail conditions.

However, the presiding judge was firm in his decision. “You fled from law enforcement, collided with a police vehicle, and ended up in the Barge Canal with your victim. Given these actions, I will not be reducing your bond at this time,” the judge stated.

Lucas is facing a total of eight charges, the most serious being attempted second-degree murder.

The incident unfolded on Monday when Brevard County deputies reported that Lucas met his ex-girlfriend in a parking lot on North Courtney Boulevard in Merritt Island, attempting to rekindle their past relationship.

After she declined his advances, authorities allege that Lucas forcibly entered her car and began strangling her. At that moment, deputies from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene.

“As they got out and started walking up to approach the vehicle, the vehicle went into reverse, backed out of the parking lot, pushing one of our patrol vehicles out of the way hitting it in the front right side,” explained BCSO Public Information Officer Tod Goodyear.

No deputies were hurt, just their cruiser.

They say Lucas, who was behind the wheel of his ex’s car, fled the scene with her still inside. A couple of miles away he spotted the Barge Canal.

“He decided to drive off the bridge, we are guessing in an attempt to end both of their lives, so he drove off the bridge into the water,” said Goodyear.

The victim was hurt bad enough that she was unable to get out of the car on her own, but was pulled to safety within minutes.

As for Lucas, he was able to get out of the vehicle and evade capture as he ran through a wooded area. A search ensued for a few hours, but ultimately he wasn’t found until the next day.

Now, Lucas is behind bars with his next court appearance set for April 30.

The victim was taken to the hospital. We are told her injuries do not appear to be life threatening.