Update: Andrew Mintz pleaded no contest and was found guilty of fleeing or attempting to elude police, and of reckless driving, in a plea on Nov. 6, 2024. He was sentenced to 24 months on probation, with a possibility of terminating probation at the halfway mark, if he follows all probation terms. The judgment means he is convicted felon. His driver’s license was suspended for a year. He had faced a maximum of 16 years in prison.
Several times delayed already, the trial of Andrew Mintz, the now-34-year-old Palm Coast man involved in an alleged high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash in downtown Flagler Beach, within a few feet of several elected officials and their family, has been delayed to July 15.
The trial was to be scheduled for next week. Appearing this morning for docket sounding–the last step before trial–before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins, the lawyer representing Mintz told the judge that Mintz was scheduled for knee surgery on May 2, the latest in a series of medical procedures since the crash. He had been severely injured in a head-on collision, and airlifted from the scene. Mintz was also in court today. His parents, who live in Georgia, posted his bail on $100,000 bond.
Assistant State Attorney Tara Libby, who is prosecuting the case, had no objections.
Mintz faces a second degree felony charge of fleeing or attempting to elude police “at high speed with wanton disregard,” and a misdemeanor count of reckless driving causing property damage. It has never been made clear why Mintz had been speeding on State Road A1A from the Hammock, where he’d been spotted driving on the wrong side of the road, to the intersection of A1A and State Road 100, where he crashed: the Flagler Beach officer who filed the charge did not interview Mintz.
Five people were in two of the other vehicles involved in the crash, several of whom were seriously injured after Mintz’s Honda struck an oncoming pick-up head-on. The state’s possible witnesses include all five people, and three Flagler Beach police officers.
While the Florida Highway Patrol filed a reckless driving citation, it was dropped, but only because the prosecution initiated its own reckless driving charge.
JimboXYZ says
“His parents, who live in Georgia, posted his bail on $100,000 bond.”
Growing up, Dad said it only once to all of his children at then age of majority (voting & drinking) as 18 yo. That if any of us as brothers ever did anything that would involve this level of legal jeopardy to parents & rest of family. That was the day we were on our own, no longer lived at that address. It was an era when parents could spank their children to drive home the message. This man (now 34) would still be in jail for any bond amount, let alone $ 100K. Here’s another slam dunk case, not a matter of guilt, just what the sentencing will be.
Carol Silvers says
It was a medical emergency. He has heart valve failure, and a serious blood sugar issue. It’s no different than an 80-year-old running into a pharmacy wall having a diabetic episode. He was raised right and has always been an active God-fearing man and is a wonderful part of the community. I’m used to be his neighbor across the street. He is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. He’s like an angel.
La Tasha G says
It sounds like the judge was logical and unbiased. That’s a shame he’s a convicted felon as he’s training to be a chaplain, but God will make a way.
I met him in church about a year and a half ago and his story and testimony is so inspirational.
It went from a witch hunt with everyone assuming so much based on nothing to a more logical outcome
Darla says
This is a country with the legal system, based on innocent until proven guilty, not the traditional French, one of guilty until proven innocent.
So many people with such limited information made so many accusations and harsh comments.
I met Andrew about three years ago and I’ve seen him off and on since.
His story is inspirational, and his testimony is so powerful.
If people read all the articles, you can see that there was no high-speed pursuit or even any cop car close to him.
I believe other people said it best about the use of overcharging.
For the record he is the nicest man I’ve ever met and always willing to help.
Before the accident and after!
Everyone that knows him would agree