DeLand, FL - A Sanford man, charged with beating his ex-girlfriend and stealing her car in DeLand, has been arrested after trying to flee law enforcement across two counties, Volusia County Sheriff's Office (VCSO) says.
Deputies responded on Wednesday morning to 1871 W. New York Ave. in DeLand after a reported carjacking. A woman told deputies that her ex-boyfriend, 29-year-old John McGowen, held her against her will, battered her, and then took her black SUV.
The black SUV was found near VCSO's District 2 Office. Deputies say McGowen used the SUV to ram into a patrol car as he tried to flee. Another patrol car was involved in a crash while responding to reports of the first patrol car being struck. There were no serious injuries involved in these incidents, VCSO says.
McGowen was tracked down by officials from VCSO, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and Sanford Police Department as he continued to speed off into Seminole County. He was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody in Seminole County.
McGowen remained in custody in the Seminole County Jail as of Thursday afternoon and is facing charges including carjacking, fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. He also has several outstanding warrants.
You can find a video from VCSO of McGowen fleeing law enforcement here.
(McGowen's mugshot courtesy Volusia County Jail)
Featured photo of the stolen vehicle courtesy VCSO. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2018.
