Man In Bullet-Proof Vest Leads VCSO Deputies On Chase Into Lake County

Posted

Volusia County, FL - 2-13-17 - Update: A man who fled from police officers after attempting to assault 2 women in DeLand Monday morning is in custody and has been identified.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Mark Sykora, 38, is facing 2 counts of aggravated assault on the 2 female victims and charges of fleeing or attempting to elude the DeLand PD.

Deputies responded to a call near Tractor Supply (2300 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand). Passing motorists saw 2 women running from the woods, obviously in distress.

In a 911 call, a witness reported that one victim said the man fired a gun and tried to harm her.

Sykora fled the scene in a silver car. Witnesses gave officers his tag number.

A DeLand police officer saw the car near Glenwood Road and Grand Ave. The officer attempted a traffic stop and Sykora fled again, heading south on Grand, then west on S.R. 44.

Air One followed Sykora's vehicle from overhead. At Division and Fonseca Lane, Sykora lost control and crashed then fled into nearby woods as the car caught fire.

Lake County Sheriff's Office and DeLand PD were on scene. A Lake County K-9 unit took Sykora into custody at 9:31 AM, Feb. 13.

Photos courtesy of Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Earlier reporting:

A man was arrested after he tried to assault 2 women in a wooded area in DeLand early Monday morning.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene shortly after 8:30 AM on the morning of Feb. 13. The suspect, who was wearing a bullet-proof vest, got into a vehicle and fled along State Road 44. He led officers on a chase into Lake County which ended when he crashed his vehicle then ran into nearby woods, where he was taken into custody.

This is a developing story.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.