Palm Coast, FL - A man who stole a mail truck on Saturday told Flagler County Sheriff's deputies that he was high on meth and cocaine when they arrested him. 29-year-old Jesse Estep is charged with Grand Theft Auto, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, and two counts Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. He also faces charges in Volusia County.
FCSO received an alert from Volusia County around 4:30 p.m. yesterday (June 8) about a carjacking suspect driving a stolen mail truck who was headed northbound on I-95 into Flagler County. FCSO deputies located the vehicle and took over the pursuit. They deployed Stop Sticks on I-95 as Estep was not stopping for marked law enforcement vehicles.
Estep intentionally swerved at a deputy but thankfully missed him. He then swerved toward the other side of the road, also missing that deputy. At that time, a rear tire of the mail truck hit the Stop Sticks, causing Estep to lose control. He over corrected and crashed into a guardrail about two miles north of Old Dixie Highway.
Volusia and Flagler County deputies took Estep into custody and transported him to Advent Health Palm Coast for a medical evaluation.“This is another great example of our agencies working together,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “The suspect immediately told deputies that he was high on meth and cocaine. It is a miracle that no deputies, police officers, or other travelers on the roadway were hurt during the reckless driving of this suspect. I’m especially grateful that his efforts to injure my deputies failed. Criminals need to learn that if you commit crimes in Flagler County you will end up in the Green Roof Inn where you belong.”
Because Estep carjacked a mail truck, he could also face federal charges. He's currently in custody at the Flagler County Jail.
