Daytona Beach, FL - Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly says the release of 31-year-old Rondal Gibson from the Volusia County Jail is "a joke."
“This guy has been hiding from us since last summer after he was arrested during Operation Heat Wave,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “At that time he posted bond and was released from jail, but never appeared at this court date. Our SIU detectives did a great job in tracking him down and we appreciate the Ormond Beach Police and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for helping us get him off the streets. Unfortunately, a Volusia Judge decided to release him on ROR. What a joke! With his record of fleeing and failing to appear, why would anyone think he will change his behavior? This is very frustrating to the hard working men and women of FCSO. ”
The FCSO Special Investigations Unit conducted surveillance on Gibson at an Ormond Beach apartment complex earlier this week. Officers with the Ormond Beach Police Department and deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with the apprehension.
Officers made contact with Gibson's girlfriend at the front door. She confirmed he was in the apartment. At the same time, they saw him go into the bathroom. Gibson ignored numerous verbal commands and barricaded himself inside. A Volusia County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit responded to the scene to clear the apartment. Gibson was subsequently taken into custody in the bathroom.
Gibson had three felony warrants. One for Order Revoking Bond for Trafficking Schedule I Controlled Substance (Synthetic Cathinones), Possession of Schedule I Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cannabis over 20 Grams, and Possession of Paraphernalia. The second warrant was for Failure to Appear for Sale of Cannabis and Unlawful use of a Two Way Communications Device. The third warrant was for Failure to Appear for Sale of a Schedule I Substance and Sale of a Schedule III Substance.
Because he violated the warrants, Gibson was booked with no bond. Today (March 25), Gibson was in a courtroom for a first appearance. A detainer from the FCSO was on hand to request extradition to Flagler County. Volusia County Court Judge Judith Campbell released Gibson on his own recognizance. Staly said, "Criminals are being allowed to take advantage of the system because of coronavirus and decisions like this.”
