A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detective was arrested early Wednesday morning in Ormond Beach and has been immediately suspended without pay.
Detective Ardit Coma was taken into custody by the Ormond Beach Police Department on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Coma was driving his unmarked assigned agency vehicle on his way to work when the incident occurred.
In accordance with agency policy, the Sheriff’s Office suspended Coma without pay immediately upon learning of the arrest. He currently has no law enforcement authority.
Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge addressed the situation in a statement. “Sheriff Rick Staly expects our employees to follow the law and when a deputy’s alleged actions rise to the level of an arrest, we act swiftly, as this type of behavior is not representative of the values or expectations of the Sheriff’s Office,” Strobridge said. “We also believe in the criminal justice system which provides Detective Coma due process just like anyone else.”
Detective Coma joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in June 2023 and currently serves in the Major Case Unit. During his time with the agency, he has received numerous commendations, including a Life Saving Award in 2024.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that its Professional Standards Unit will conduct an internal investigation once the criminal case is completed. Until that time, Coma remains suspended without pay.
The Ormond Beach Police Department is handling the criminal investigation. Anyone seeking additional information about the arrest is directed to contact that agency.
