Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies made 17 arrests this past weekend between 6 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, and 6 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024. They handled 654 calls for service and made 126 traffic stops.
“This weekend we arrested multiple impaired drivers after their reckless and dangerous behavior was reported by see something, say something callers,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Whether it was a drunk driver merging across multiple lanes on I-95 in the middle of the afternoon, or someone driving erratically outside a fast-food restaurant late at night, our residents are community guardians with us, they spoke up and we were there to follow through on their reports.”
See Something, Say Something Leads to Arrest of Convicted Felon with Fentanyl
On Saturday, March 24 at approximately 7:43 p.m., FCSO Communications received multiple calls reporting a reckless driver in a green Kia Soul.
The first concerned citizen observed the driver in the drive-through at McDonalds on Old Kings Rd. and said he was displaying erratic behavior, appeared to be convulsing and was later seen leaving the parking lot, swerving across the roadway as he turned onto Palm Coast Parkway.
The second caller reported that a “neon car keeps driving around parking lots and running all over curbs.” They further described the driver as a white male covered in tattoos.
Information from the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) assisted deputies with finding the Kia Soul matching the license plate number traveling south on Kingswood Dr. at a high rate of speed before turning into the Microtel Inn.
During the traffic stop, deputies made contact with Nicholas LeBlanc, 40 of Palm Coast, a convicted felon. LeBlanc denied taking any illegal narcotics but was staring blankly at deputies while making exaggerated movements. After failing a series of field sobriety tests, he was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence.
During a search of his vehicle, deputies located a prescription pill bottle that contained a white powdery substance that tested positive for Fentanyl. He was arrested for Possession of Fentanyl in addition to DUI and was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he refused any breath, blood, or urine testing. He is currently being held on $5,000 bond.
LeBlanc has an extensive criminal history in Flagler County, dating back to 2009. He served 1 year in prison in 2015 for three counts of Grand Theft and Cocaine Possession. In 2021 he was sentenced to 3 years for Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm with Ammo by a Convicted Felon. He was just released from prison on November 29, 2023.
“This guy learned nothing from his time behind bars,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “He’s still out there endangering the lives of others. I commend these witnesses for coming forward and reporting his erratic and suspicious behavior. We’re happy to make him feel at home once again in the Green Roof Inn.”
For bodycam footage of the arrest: https://bit.ly/3IQ6OMD.
Eyewitnesses, Information from Real Time Crime Center Leads to Arrest in Hit and Run
On Sunday, March 24 just after 1 a.m., deputies responded to Smiles Nite Club off Palm Harbor Village Way in Palm Coast after FCSO Communications received information that a white vehicle, operated by a woman named Heather was seen leaving the parking lot after damaging another vehicle.
Upon arrival, deputies located a red Dodge Charger with noticeable damage along the driver side rear and center rear bumper. While the deputy was speaking with witnesses about the incident, another call came into FCSO Communications reporting that a woman had parked along the grass outside a residence on Masters Court and was yelling outside of her vehicle.
With information provided by the RTCC, deputies were able to identify the potential suspect as Heather Noack, 39, of Palm Coast, and confirm that a vehicle registered to her matched the description in the hit and run and in the second call.
Upon arrival at Masters Court, deputies noticed red paint transfer on her driver side front bumper and that her front driver side tire was torn and flat. They attempted to speak to her, but she became irate and refused to follow instructions. Noack was placed under arrest for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage.
During transport and booking to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, she became belligerent on multiple occasions, threatening deputies with bodily harm. Noack was also charged with Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. She is currently being held on $1,000 bond.
“This case is another great example of how a partnership between residents, local businesses and the Sheriff’s Office is critical to public safety. Calls came in to report the incident, our Real Time Crime Center identified potential suspects and our deputies showed incredible professionalism and restraint during the arrest of an extremely hostile individual,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “By letting the alcohol and her emotions get the best of her, she left the bar with a Misdemeanor and checked into the Green Roof Inn with a Felony. I will not tolerate this kind of treatment of our deputies. If you batter or threaten a deputy, you will face arrest every time.”
For bodycam footage of the arrest: https://bit.ly/4999gbF
See Something, Say Something Stops Drunk, Unlicensed Driver on I-95
On Saturday, March 24 just before 2 p.m., FCSO Communications received a call about a reckless driver travelling northbound on I-95 in a in gray Hyundai.
Deputies located the vehicle matching the description and license plate number at the intersection of Palm Coast Pkwy. and Boulder Rock Dr. As the left turn lane light turned green, the vehicle crossed over both lanes, obstructing other vehicles. It then began to merge across all three eastbound lanes of Palm Coast Pkwy, causing other vehicles to swerve and brake to avoid collision. Upon initiating a traffic stop, the vehicle swerved across the three lanes again and eventually came to stop at the I-95 onramp at mile marker 289.
During the traffic stop, the driver presented a Guatemalan passport identifying himself as Francisco Garcia-Perez, who claims he has lived in the U.S. for several years, most recently Jacksonville, but never obtained a Driver License. Deputies noted that he smelled strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot and watery eyes, and trouble standing. Deputies also observed several open and empty beer cans strewn throughout the vehicle. After failing to perform a series of field sobriety tests, Garcia-Perez was arrested for Driving Under the Influence with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.182 and for Driving Without a License. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he is currently being held on $2,000 bond.
“During Spring Break, the interstate can become a dangerous place, loaded down with drivers traveling north or south for vacation. A drunk, unlicensed driver swerving in and out of this heavy traffic is a recipe for disaster,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Fortunately, thanks to a concerned citizen who called and alerted us to this dangerous driver, our deputies were able to quickly get this drunk driver off the road and sobering up behind bars at the Green Roof Inn.”
