Three young men were arrested and sent to the Flagler County jail Friday, and a juvenile was also arrested, after the quartet allegedly fled in a stolen vehicle and hid in the woods before being caught.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a reckless driver southbound on I-95 Friday afternoon. A few minutes later a License Plate Reader–automated scanners in place at many intersections–alerted to a stolen vehicle that matched the description of the reckless driver just before 5:30 p.m. on Palm Coast Parkway.
Units began looking for a gray 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe that was reported stolen to the Holly Hill Police Department. The vehicle was spotted by a Problem Area Crime Enforcement (PACE) unit. Patrol deputies used stop sticks in an attempt to stop the vehicle before activating emergency lights. The stolen vehicle began to drive in a reckless manner and speed with complete disregard for the safety of other drivers while ignoring all law enforcement efforts to stop it.
Deputies aborted the chase in compliance with department policy, since the chase could have endangered other drivers or pedestrians. They set-up a perimeter in the area and called-in FireFlight, the county’s emergency helicopter, to assist. A short time later, a resident on Banner Lane called 911 to report seeing three men run through her yard and jump over her privacy fence.
Deputies responded and found the stolen vehicle in a driveway on Banner Lane. The vehicle was unoccupied. The engine was still running. FireFlight flew over the scene and K-9 units began to track the individual. The four were soon located in the wood line near Bannbury Lane. The four are Jemari Overstreet, 18, Steven Johnson, 20, Heron Burson, 18, and a 16-year-old whose first name is James. All four are from Daytona Beach.
“I was out with our deputies during this incident and it was clearly evident that the driver of the stolen vehicle had complete disregard for the safety of other motorists on the roadway,” Sheriff Rick Staly, who regularly conducts Friday evening patrols, said. “They could have caused a very serious crash by their actions. I am proud of our deputies for safely apprehending these suspects and taking them in to custody without anyone getting hurt. This is another great example of our teamwork, technology and strategies working to quickly apprehend criminals with support from the community.”
At 6:30 p.m., all four were placed under arrest and transported to the county jail. Overstreet, the driver of the vehicle, was charged with Grand Theft, Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, Driving without a Driver’s License, Burglary of a Conveyance, Burglary of a Dwelling, Resisting an Officer without Violence, and Loitering or Prowling. Burson, Johnson and James were arrested and charged with Burglary of a Conveyance, Burglary of a Dwelling, Resisting an Officer without Violence, and Loitering or Prowling. Burson was also charged with Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement. Burson is currently on felony juvenile probation for Burglary and Grand Theft.
Percy's mother says
They could have been spending their time wisely searching for college scholarships in an effort to get educated so as to become upwardly mobile in life.
Instead, they’ve chosen their paths in life . . . no one and nothing else has done that for them or to them.
malcom says
So why isn’t the white kids/fourth suspects picture in this line up? News journal made sure they were going to do some equal opportunity mugshots. https://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20190608/4-arrested-after-stealing-car-and-fleeing-into-woods
hawkeye says
I love that they were arrested, however ,I am sure that with our revolving door justice system they will back on the streets shortly.Heron Burson has the smug look on his face like he knows he aint gonna get in any trouble. I am glad that they didnt hurt anyone.
TheTruth says
Great future for young men, that go down this road of crime. The law will get ya every time.
FlaglerLive says
We don’t run the mugshots or identities of non violent juveniles.
Ol’ Sarge says
Because he’s a juvenile…don’t create an issue where one doesn’t exist
Charlie says
Wanna-be-thugs starting out in life on their path to STARK Correction Facility. Bye Bye
Born and Raised Here says
More guest for the Green Roof Inn.
Richard says
It is people like these four that keep our jails and prisons in a constant overloaded situation. We need to build more incarceration locations with one-way doors instead of revolving doors. They WILL be back!
Ebony says
Really, Malcolm? You took the time to write about your concerns that the “white” juvenile’s picture not published, per the protocol of this website? Really? Do you grasp what these adults did in your backyard? The mindset of these men as they drove through your town without worrying about consequences of their actiond? How innocent people could’ve been hurt? How they are adults and allowed/encouraged a juvenile (regardless if color). You’ve taken the time to write in how YOU have turned this into a “black” thing instead of how what they did or how your taxes dollars helped pay for the technology, collaboration, training and good communication that ended this peacefully….Very, very sad, Malcolm. Look how smart you just made yourself look with your input….
…”If you think education is expensive, try ignorance…”
Willy Boy says
We should pass out cars like food stamps. Car-jacking solved.