Over the course of this weekend, the FCSO apprehended two fugutives, made 17 arrests, handled 894 calls for service, and made 142 traffic stops.
“This was another busy weekend for Flagler County deputies,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “The first hot
weather weekend of the year caused some people to think they can commit crime in our county. They
ended up with a cool bed in the Green Roof Inn instead!”
Friday nights, FCSO PACE unity members made a traffic stop on State Rd. 11; due to the driver, Ryan Wortman, having a suspended license as well as a felony warrant in Flagler County. Wortman was the registered owner of the car, and although he was not driving the warrant allowed deputies to stop the car. During the traffic stop, deputies noticed a white powdery substance on a cut straw in plain view of the passenger seat. Upon searching the car, deputies found drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and Fentanyl. The driver of the car was also found to have an active felon warrant out of Martin County Fl. Kelli Wilson was arrested for her warrant, Possession of Fentanyl, and Possession of Methamphetamine. She is being held with no bond. Wortman was arrested on his Flagler County warrant reference Felony Violation of Probation, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Equipment. He is being held with no bond.
Sunday a woman in the L section of Palm Coast reported her vehicle stolen; the woman left her vehicle running while she ran into the building for approximately one minute. Sergeant Reckenwald and Commander Finn were able to locate the vehicle stopped near Indian Trails Middle School. They established a perimeter, and used their PA system to issue loud commands ordering the occupant to exit the vehicle.
The driver of the stolen vehicle put the car in reverse and started to back up towards the deputies; as the vehicle backed up slowly, front passenger tire struck one of the stop stick terminators, deflating the tire quickly. The vehicle then started rolling forwards towards Deputy Nunziato’s parked motorcycle, and stopped just before hitting it. The suspect then exited the vehicle, and was identified as Mikaela Garcia, who was taken into custody without further incident. She was arrested and charged with Grand Theft – Motor Vehicle and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.
“This crime was a crime of opportunity,” added Sheriff Staly. “This is a good reminder to never leave
your keys in your car, especially with it running, even for a minute as you never know when a thief is
lurking nearby. The victim was lucky our eagle-eye deputies located the vehicle so quickly and the only
cost to the victim is a tire. It is also a violation of Florida law to leave a vehicle running unattended.”
Sunday, FCSO responded to a local business who reported two men shoplifting. The suspects fled the scene as soon as deputies tried to make contact. Loss Prevention Officer said that the suspects entered the store, filled the cart with items, and then left without paying, twice. They stole merchandise valued at $2,300. The suspects were identified as Florence and Alexander, and they had been seen shoplifting from the same store on Friday the 24th, for taking merchandise without paying valued at roughly $2,000. They were both arrested and charged with two counts of Grand Theft ($750-$5,000). Florence was released after posting the $15,000, and Alexander was released after posting the $20,000 bond.
