Bunnell, FL - Two men are under arrest and law enforcement is working to locate a third suspect after a vehicle chase that began in Clay County, got the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office involved and the chase ended on southbound I-95 near Mile Marker 281 near Bunnell. Arrested are 27-year-old Antrell Bryant and 35-year-old Michael Ellis. A third suspect, described as a middle-aged black male, fled the scene on foot.
The chase took place early this morning (October 7). The suspects stole multiple items from a Clay County Walmart, which led to the chase. The suspects are also wanted on aggravated assault charges on both Duval and Clay County officers and deputies.
Flagler County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call for a fleeing vehicle southbound on I-95 just past the county line. Deputies attempted Stop Sticks at Mile Marker 296 but did not succeed. At Mile Marker 284, near State Road 100, the Stop Sticks were successfully deployed but the disabled vehicle traveled about three more miles before stopping. Two suspects fled by Ellis stayed in the car. He surrendered and was arrested.
The other two suspects fled in separate directions. Perimeters were established. The FCSO K-9 Unit and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Air Support took part in the search. K-9 Marko and his handler found Bryant hiding in some bushes. He surrendered without incident.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle found multiple stolen items including Lego playsets, BluRay DVDs, kitchen appliances, and much more believed to be stolen from Walmart stores in Duval and Clay counties.
An FCSO Corporal sustained an injury to his left leg. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
“This is a great example of how our neighboring agencies and FCSO all work together to stop crime in its tracks,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “These guys from Orlando thought that if they drove far enough, recklessly enough, and fast enough they would get away with multiple felony thefts and assaulting police officers but they entered the wrong county. Crime stops in Flagler County. I met with Cpl. DeSousa at the hospital and I am thankful that he was not seriously injured. He told me he ‘would be back tomorrow night!’ We wish him a speedy recovery. My message to the suspect still on the run is turn yourself in. It is only a matter of time before we find you.”
Ellis is being held without bond though his only charge at the moment is a felony violation of probation. Bryant is charged with resisting an officer without violence because he fled the vehicle. His bond is set at $500 and he remains in the Flagler County Jail.
