Motorist Killed After Fleeing Vehicle Burglary Suspects Crash in Flagler County

What began as a multi-county vehicle burglary investigation ended in tragedy Tuesday afternoon, when a fleeing SUV crashed into another vehicle, killing a 71-year-old Ormond Beach woman.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), deputies were alerted that three suspects connected to a series of vehicle burglaries in St. Johns County had entered Flagler County in a gray Chevrolet Suburban. Deputies spotted the SUV traveling along South Old Kings Road and later southbound on I-95 around 12:30 p.m.

In an attempt to stop the vehicle, deputies deployed Stop Sticks after the suspects exited I-95 onto Old Dixie Highway. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the suspects fled recklessly, striking a sheriff’s office vehicle in the process.

The chase continued onto U.S. Highway 1, where the suspects attempted to re-enter I-95 via an exit ramp. There, the Suburban collided head-on with another vehicle.

The driver of that vehicle—a 71-year-old woman from Ormond Beach—was airlifted to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.

Following the crash, the three suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by deputies.

The driver of the Suburban, identified as Stevens Charles, 40, of Miami, was booked into the Volusia County Jail Tuesday night. He faces a long list of charges, including:

• Reckless driving resulting in serious bodily harm
• Leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury
• Leaving the scene of a crash with death
• Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement with active lights and sirens
• Murder (not premeditated) during the commission of a felony

The other two suspects, who have not yet been publicly identified, remain under investigation.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly issued a strong statement following the tragedy:

“It is with great sadness, the actions of these dirtbags resulted in the tragic loss of an innocent life. This crime spree started in St. Johns County with vehicle burglaries and ended violently with the death of an innocent person.”

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is leading the traffic homicide investigation, while the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the initial burglaries. FCSO said it will also review its deputies’ actions during the pursuit.

Legal Considerations

This case raises several potential legal questions for the victim’s family:

• Wrongful Death Claim Against the Suspect(s): Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, the family may pursue civil damages against Charles and potentially the other two suspects for causing the fatal crash. Criminal charges do not bar the family from filing a civil lawsuit.
• Felony Murder Doctrine: Because the fatality occurred during the commission of a felony (vehicle burglary and flight from law enforcement), Charles now faces a murder charge—even if the death was unintended.
• Potential Liability for Law Enforcement Pursuits: While Florida law (sovereign immunity, §768.28, Fla. Stat.) generally protects police from liability in high-speed pursuit cases, exceptions exist if deputies are found to have acted with gross negligence. FCSO’s internal review will determine whether procedures were properly followed.

This crash is another example of how fleeing suspects can endanger innocent lives. While police face difficult split-second decisions in pursuits, the tragic loss of a 71-year-old woman underscores why many agencies carefully weigh the risks of engaging in high-speed chases.

The investigation remains ongoing, and updates are expected as authorities release more details about the two additional suspects.