INSIDER
2 more arrests, 18 more stolen phones recovered at Welcome to Rockville, Volusia deputies say
Read full article: 2 more arrests, 18 more stolen phones recovered at Welcome to Rockville, Volusia deputies sayBody-worn camera video of the arrests shows a deputy examining what appears to be multiple credit and/or debit cards, reading off names and remarking, “She doesn’t look like a Michael (...) or a Riley.”
Kissimmee man faces drugs charges after 113 mph pursuit on I-4, Volusia Sheriff’s Office says
Read full article: Kissimmee man faces drugs charges after 113 mph pursuit on I-4, Volusia Sheriff’s Office saysThe arrest of a Kissimmee man who led Volusia County deputies on a high-speed pursuit along Interstate 4 “wrapped up” a three-day sheriff’s office traffic operation in and around the city of Deltona, the agency said.
VIDEO: Close calls and stop sticks as Florida man drives 100 mph in stolen city truck, deputies say
Read full article: VIDEO: Close calls and stop sticks as Florida man drives 100 mph in stolen city truck, deputies sayA man has been arrested after deputies said he stole a pickup truck and nearly caused several head-on crashes while driving at high speed from Lake County to Volusia County.
Man arrested in Volusia County after malnourished horses seized
Read full article: Man arrested in Volusia County after malnourished horses seizedThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man accused of animal cruelty after four horses were seized earlier this month, one of which had to be euthanized.
VIDEO: Volusia County deputy performs CPR on unresponsive driver on I-95
Read full article: VIDEO: Volusia County deputy performs CPR on unresponsive driver on I-95An unresponsive driver on Interstate 95 is alive after a deputy performed CPR on him recently, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
VIDEO: Man faces DUI charge after crash with stationary Volusia patrol car
Read full article: VIDEO: Man faces DUI charge after crash with stationary Volusia patrol carTwo Volusia County deputies walked away from a crash overnight with minor injuries after a patrol car they were using was struck by a pickup truck believed to have been manned by a drunken driver, according to an incident report.
Man acquitted in Ormond Beach rape released from jail on separate charge, records show
Read full article: Man acquitted in Ormond Beach rape released from jail on separate charge, records showA man who was acquitted after being accused of dragging an unconscious woman to his car and raping her has been released from jail after facing a charge in a separate case, records show.
Man accused of dragging, raping woman in Ormond Beach arrested again, deputies say
Read full article: Man accused of dragging, raping woman in Ormond Beach arrested again, deputies sayA man who was acquitted last month over two years after being accused of dragging an unconscious woman to his car and raping her in Ormond Beach was arrested again Thursday, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Man steals tractor-trailer, crashes it on highway in Volusia County, deputies say
Read full article: Man steals tractor-trailer, crashes it on highway in Volusia County, deputies sayAn 18-wheel tractor-trailer in Deltona was stolen and soon crashed on I-4, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Hate incidents targeting Florida’s Asian American population on the rise
Read full article: Hate incidents targeting Florida’s Asian American population on the riseHate incidents targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are on the rise across the nation and across Florida, according to data from several watchdog groups.
‘This is amazing:’ Late Volusia woman leaves over $32K to sheriff’s K9 Unit
Read full article: ‘This is amazing:’ Late Volusia woman leaves over $32K to sheriff’s K9 UnitThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said it received an unexpected gift this week after a Daytona Beach woman who died last year left behind a big chunk of change for its K9 unit.
Man known as ‘Tarzan’ wanted in connection with stolen truck, Volusia deputies say
Read full article: Man known as ‘Tarzan’ wanted in connection with stolen truck, Volusia deputies sayThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for information on a man who goes by the name “Tarzan” in connection with a stolen truck.
Man charged with animal cruelty after machete attack on dog
Read full article: Man charged with animal cruelty after machete attack on dogA New Smyrna Beach-area man has been arrested on a felony charge of animal cruelty after he used a machete to slash a dog several times, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Woman accused of making false claim against Volusia deputy won’t face charges
Read full article: Woman accused of making false claim against Volusia deputy won’t face chargesA Deltona woman accused by the Volusia County sheriff of falsely accusing a deputy of touching her inappropriately during a brief pat-down won't face formal charges, according to the state attorney's office.
Volusia County deputies able to link people to mental health counselors within minutes
Read full article: Volusia County deputies able to link people to mental health counselors within minutesIt’s typically found in your home but now, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is using iPads to help get results while responding to mental health calls.
Reports detail home life, mental illness of girl, 14, accused in gunfight with Volusia deputies
Read full article: Reports detail home life, mental illness of girl, 14, accused in gunfight with Volusia deputiesNew documents reveal details of two children's lives before they were accused of opening fire on Volusia County deputies.
Do you recognize them? Volusia County deputies try to track down donation jar thieves
Read full article: Do you recognize them? Volusia County deputies try to track down donation jar thievesDeputies are looking for the man suspected of stealing from a donation jar at a convenience store in Volusia County. (Image: Volusia County Sheriff's Office)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is trying to track down two men suspected of stealing donation money in DeLeon Springs. Investigators said it’s the man behind the counter who is accused of stealing a donation jar from the business on March 9. The clerk told authorities the two suspects purchased items then tried to confuse her about change she owed them before they left, according to the sheriff’s office. This is... Posted by Volusia Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, March 17, 2021Anyone with information about the pair is asked to call 386-943-7866, about VSO case number 21-4577.
VIDEO: I-4 shooting suspects arrested after fleeing attempt ends in rollover crash
Read full article: VIDEO: I-4 shooting suspects arrested after fleeing attempt ends in rollover crashVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Two men from Sanford were arrested on Saturday following a shooting on I-4 that was caught on camera, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. After the suspect vehicle fled from a deputy, Air One took over from overhead and tracked the vehicle as it started weaving through traffic on I-4 and through Deltona. The shooting is the second one on I-4 in Volusia County in recent weeks. On Feb. 21, Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded to reports of a shooting between vehicles near mile marker 113. Last April, at least 19 vehicles were damaged when a suspect fired a BB gun at passing vehicles on I-4 and I-95.
‘I was so scared and cold:’ Volusia County deputies rescue woman out of sinking car
Read full article: ‘I was so scared and cold:’ Volusia County deputies rescue woman out of sinking carVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A dramatic rescue this weekend by Volusia County deputies was caught on camera. The office released the video Monday showing deputies saving a 73-year-old woman from her sinking car. Video showed the deputies were treading water and attempted to break the windows. Sheriff’s office helicopter video also showed the moment deputies were able to get her back to land. Anita is now without a car and cellphone but beyond grateful for the deputies, state troopers and EMS who helped.
Man dies after fire near Ormond Beach, deputies say
Read full article: Man dies after fire near Ormond Beach, deputies sayA 50-year-old man died on Sunday after a shed caught fire at a home near Ormond Beach, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The man was living in the shed located at 136 Seville Street, deputies said. The fire was reported around 7:15 a.m. Sunday, with firefighters from Volusia County, Ormond Beach and Holly Hill extinguishing the flames. Calls to 911 reported flames from the back of a home. Ad“There’s one deceased,” the caller tells 911.
Wounded officer recovering after shooting in New Smyrna Beach
Read full article: Wounded officer recovering after shooting in New Smyrna BeachAfter being wounded in a shooting on Saturday, New Smyrna Police department Cpl. He and the officers who opened fire are being praised for their bravery after running towards a man who investigators say had a gun and was shooting at them. Investigators said that man was 25-year-old Matthew Thomas of Holly Hill, who said he shot Hunnefeld in his leg. “Instead of surrendering and facing his day in court, he chose to shoot it out with the police,” said New Smyrna Beach Police Department Chief Mike Coffin. Police say Thomas was first spotted by an officer in Port Orange after he left a known drug house.
Man killed, officer wounded in New Smyrna Beach shooting, deputies say
Read full article: Man killed, officer wounded in New Smyrna Beach shooting, deputies sayA man was killed and a New Smyrna Beach police officer was wounded during a shooting on Saturday afternoon, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The man was identified as 25-year-old Matthew Thomas of Holly Hill by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. An armed suspect who fled from police this afternoon in Port Orange shot and wounded a New Smyrna Beach police officer... Posted by New Smyrna Beach Police Department on Saturday, November 21, 2020Thomas then drove towards New Smyrna Beach, where he crashed outside of a storage facility in the area of Turnbull Street and Industrial Park Avenue, deputies said. Thomas was later shot and killed by a New Smyrna Beach police officer and Volusia County deputy who returned fire, according to deputies. Deputies said the shooting was captured on a body camera and the footage could be made available Sunday morning.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office partners with healthcare nonprofit to help people in crisis
Read full article: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office partners with healthcare nonprofit to help people in crisisVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with SMA Healthcare, a private nonprofit, that specializes in behavioral healthcare and substance abuse, to launch a program that will connect mental healthcare professionals with people in crisis. On Thursday, Florida Power & Light presented a $10,000 check that will provide 12 iPads to supervisors in the sheriff’s office that will make that connection happen. The iPads will allow sheriff’s office staff to help a person in crisis speak with a healthcare professional over a video call immediately. “We’re dealing more and more with people who are in a mental crisis,” said Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Chitwood said the program will start next year in Deltona and if successful, it will be implemented throughout the county.
Volusia, Orange deputies attempted to conceal stolen guns, FDLE finds
Read full article: Volusia, Orange deputies attempted to conceal stolen guns, FDLE findsFDLE officials said Deputy Brian Calkins, with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, gave Volusia County Deputy Phillip Donaldson two firearms he said he got from a cousin. Calkins asked Donaldson to dispose of the revolver and semi-automatic pistol, according to the FDLE investigation. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood requested the FDLE investigation in June, according to the FDLE. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Calkins was hired in May 2018 and assigned to youth services. He was formerly employed by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, records show.
‘Anyone can catch this:’ Volusia County sheriff in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19
Read full article: ‘Anyone can catch this:’ Volusia County sheriff in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is out sick for the first time in his 33-year law enforcement career thanks to the novel coronavirus. The sheriff himself confirmed his positive COVID-19 test Friday on social media in an update on the county’s virus total. “COVID-19 update for Volusia County - and a positive COVID test for me,” Chitwood wrote. Early on in the pandemic, the sheriff was critical of the Volusia County- Florida Department of Health for not releasing that, putting first responders in danger, according to the sheriff. As of Friday morning, Volusia County has reported 6,834 cases since March, an increase by 127 in the past 24 hours.
26-year-old woman dies in accidental Ormond Beach shooting, deputies say
Read full article: 26-year-old woman dies in accidental Ormond Beach shooting, deputies sayORMOND BEACH – A 26-year-old woman died in an accidental shooting in Ormond Beach early Saturday morning, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The victim was found at her home on Fairland Road just before 3 a.m. with a gunshot wound to the upper body, and later died at Halifax Health Medical Center, according to deputies. She was identified Monday as Ashleigh Murphy. The shooter was the one who called 911 and has been cooperating with authorities, records show. His or her name has not been released.
Deltona man arrested, charged with murder of boyfriend
Read full article: Deltona man arrested, charged with murder of boyfriendA man has been arrested in Hillsborough County on a charge of killing his boyfriend with a blunt object at their home in Deltona, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in a release. Mercado was already in custody in the Hillsborough County Jail on a charge of grand theft auto when he was arrested on the murder charge, deputies said. Around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mercado was arrested while driving the stolen truck in Hillsborough County. With Mercado in custody at the Hillsborough County Jail, detectives from Volusia County went there to interview him. Mercado is being held without bond in Hillsborough County pending extradition back to Volusia County.
Man arrested after alleged knife fight at RV park, deputies say
Read full article: Man arrested after alleged knife fight at RV park, deputies sayA man was arrested after a fight involving a knife at an RV camp in Pierson on Saturday, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies took into custody 50-year-old Leonard Rushing, who was treated on the scene for a possible drug overdose and is facing domestic-violence related charges, deputies said. Rushing also has an active warrant out of Flagler County for violation of probation, deputies said. During a 911 call, deputies said a voice was heard screaming “I don’t want you to stab me to death.”Nobody was injured in the incident.
Deputies: Pine Ridge student says he ‘forgot’ about axes, machete in his car
Read full article: Deputies: Pine Ridge student says he ‘forgot’ about axes, machete in his carVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A Pine Ridge High School student who had a machete, axes, a throwing knife and an ice pick in his car claims he “forget” the weapons were in his vehicle, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said the investigation began Tuesday morning when someone complained to the school resource officer that a student had drugs. Deputies said they then went to the parking lot and searched the boy’s silver Mazda after they saw a large machete between the driver’s seat and center console. Pipes, drug paraphernalia, a glass jar containing presumptive marijuana, cigars, a 4-foot axe, a 1-foot axe, an ice pick and a throwing knife were also found, according to the affidavit. The student claimed he forgot the items were in his car and also said that sometimes his friends leave items inside his vehicle.
Man's hand nearly blown off after firework blast inside car
Read full article: Man's hand nearly blown off after firework blast inside carMan's hand nearly blown off after firework blast inside carPublished: December 30, 2019, 11:47 pmA man suffered a severe hand injury after a firework went off inside a vehicle, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.