Suspect hits two deputies' squad vehicles during Bayside Park chase
By Dwayne Bremer
Feb 12, 2013, 18:35
A teen who was arrested twice recently for bringing weapons to Hancock High School on Monday led police on a vehicle and foot pursuit through Bayside Park.
Hancock County Sheriff Ricky Adam said Monday that Miguel Garcia, 18, was able to elude capture Monday after he struck two police cruisers with his vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
Garcia was arrested in October for allegedly having a handgun in his vehicle at the Hancock High School campus.
He was apparently banned from school property, but last week Adam said, he returned to the campus and was arrested again, this time for possession of marijuana and possession of a weapon (knife). He was later released on bond.
On Monday, Deputy Eric Moran attempted to stop Garcia's vehicle for traffic violations, but Garcia did not stop, and led Moran and other deputies on a pursuit throughout Bayside Park, Adam said.
At the corner of Jeff Davis and Harding streets, deputies tried to "box in" Garcia's vehicle, but Garcia slammed into a cruiser driven by Deputy Jerry Flemming and sped away.
A little bit down the road, Moran's vehicle was struck, but he was able to run Garcia's vehicle into a ditch, officials said.
Neither Moran nor Flemming were injured, Adam said.
Garcia fled on foot and was able to elude capture.
Adam said Garcia now faces felony charges for fleeing and assault on a police officer.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call 228-255-9191, Adam said.
