- May 1, 2024
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The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Ormond Beach Police Department at 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, that a vehicle involved in a strong arm robbery in their jurisdiction may be traveling through Flagler County. The vehicle was a grey Chevrolet Camaro.
Cpl. Tarczewski located the vehicle on U.S.1 North and turned on his emergency lights and sirens. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Ormond Beach then notified FCSO that they were downgrading their charges to misdemeanors, which caused FCSO to cancel any pursuit of the vehicle. Shortly after, a caller on London Drive in Palm Coast called to report that a vehicle was driving recklessly in the area, causing property damage. This was determined to be the suspect vehicle.
A short time later, Cpl. Gamarra saw the vehicle on Belle Terre Parkway and followed at a safe distance without lights and sirens in an attempt to document the suspect’s driving pattern.
The vehicle traveled recklessly, disobeying red lights and driving in excess of 70 mph in a 45-mph zone. Several other vehicles had to swerve out of its path.
At Palm Coast Parkway and Bridgehaven Drive, Sgt. Barile deployed stop sticks which deflated the suspect vehicle’s tires. The vehicle continued to drive at a high rate of speed, cutting off motorists.
The vehicle then struck an unmarked FCSO vehicle occupied by Cpl. Meehan on Palm Coast Parkway. Gamarra immediately positioned his vehicle behind the suspect vehicle to prevent any further escape.
“This guy created dangerous driving conditions for every person on our roadway yesterday afternoon, including our deputies,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Our deputies did a great job in safely getting him stopped and off the road. Luckily, no one was injured. Here is a warning to criminals running from other counties – don’t try to hide in Flagler County because we will find you and take you to the Green Roof Inn.”
The driver, later identified as 30-year-old Steven Hoxworth, refused to exit the car and had to be physically removed by deputies. Once outside the vehicle, Hoxworth continually attempted to resist arrest.
Hoxworth was taken into custody by FCSO and charged with Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, Reckless Driving with Property Damage, and Resisting Arrest. Ormond Beach Police additionally charged Hoxworth with Theft, Battery, and Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement for the case in their jurisdiction.
Hoxworth was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he is being held with no bond allowed.
