Two stolen vehicles recovered, plus multiple arrests, in Flagler

Palm Coast Observer
News

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was alerted on May 26 of two stolen vehicles in Flagler County that were reported stolen from Jacksonville.

Shawn Paul Vasquez and Heidi Tindol were apprehended and were found to be in possession of cocaine and other drugs. A few hours later, David Green and Deryl Bush were arrested in possession of a stolen vehicle, after leading law enforcement on a dangerous car chase into St. John's County, requiring the assistance of FireFlight, the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol.

“We were very lucky that no one was hurt because of their reckless behavior and disregard for other drivers,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I want to thank the SJSO and FHP for their assistance in getting these guys off the road before their reckless behavior resulted in serious injuries. Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks they can run from law enforcement, you can run but you can’t hide. We will work together with neighboring agencies and you will be caught and you will go to jail.”

The action began when FCSO deputies located a silver Cadillac with a Florida tag at RaceTrac, 301 Palm Coast Parkway NE, occupied by three subjects identified as Shawn Paul Vasquez, the driver, along with two passengers Heidi Tindol and Michael Ashley.

Deputies conducted a felony traffic stop and confirmed the vehicle was stolen in Jacksonville. Upon searching the vehicle, a BB gun, two spoons with white, powdery residue, two glass smoking pipes, three credit cards not belonging to any occupants, and over 30 used syringes were recovered.

Vasquez stated he was driving the vehicle which belonged to a friend, who asked him to transport Tindol and Ashley to a funeral in Miami. Ashley was released after the investigation was completed.

Vasquez and Tindol were arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Center.

Upon entering the jail, cocaine was located inside Vasquez’s mouth. Shawn Vasquez was arrested for Possession of Cocaine, Introduction of Contraband into a Detention Facility and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle. He’s being held on a $7,500 bond. Heidi Tindol was arrested on a Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear referencing Drug Possession, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Methamphetamine Possession, and Cocaine Possession. She is being held on no bond.

“Illegal drugs are not welcome in Flagler County, and this guy should have known it’s not accepted at the Green Roof Inn either,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Our technology is greatly enhancing our ability of proactive policing and stopping fugitives before they can commit crimes in Flagler County. I’m proud of our team for how this was handled and commend them for getting two more criminals off the street.”

Later the same day, FCSO deputies were alerted to another stolen vehicle and located the car backing into a parking spot at the RaceTrac located on State Road 100. The car was occupied by two males, later identified as David Green and Deryl Bush.

Deputies attempted to conduct a felony traffic stop. The driver’s hand’s immediately raised in the air while the passenger disobeyed several verbal commands. He appeared to be reaching around the passenger side floorboard, glove box, and center console area, raising even more concern for the safety of deputies conducting the felony stop.

During the felony stop, deputies heard the vehicle engine rev, at which point the occupants were given several loud, verbal commands to show their hands. The vehicle then accelerated forward and fled out of the parking lot towards Seminole Woods Parkway. The vehicle continued fleeing law enforcement in a reckless manner, traveling north on Belle Terre Parkway, with multiple patrol units attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle then made an illegal left going against traffic in the roundabout near Town Center, almost colliding with two vehicles and continued westbound onto Easthampton Drive illegally passing several vehicles. Flagler County Fireflight was activated and assisted from the air.

An FCSO deputy who was in the area of Easthampton positively identified the vehicle and observed the vehicle accelerate towards his marked patrol vehicle. The fleeing vehicle swerved in his direction and attempted to strike the patrol vehicle and then continued to flee. Because of the severe reckless behavior of the stolen vehicle’s driver, FCSO deputies backed-off while letting Fireflight provide surveillance from the air and advising patrol deputies. FHP and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office were notified the stolen vehicle was approaching St. Johns County.

The vehicle continued to travel on US-1 North entering St. John’s County. The St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol assisted in pursuing the vehicle. FHP conducted a PIT maneuver at the 330-mile marker on I-95 Northbound, where SJSO and FHP detained the driver at the time, Deryl Bush, and the front seat passenger, David Green.

Both subjects were arrested and transported to the St. John’s County Jail and charged with Fleeing and Eluding Police and Moving Traffic Violations by SJSO.

FCSO deputies are additionally charging Deryl Bush with Grand Theft of an Automobile, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge and Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. He is being held on a $17,000 bond.

David Green was charged by FCSO deputies with Grand Theft of an Automobile, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, and Felony Violation of Probation since he is on probation in Jacksonville. He is being held on no bond.