When deputies from the DCSO spotted the vehicle, they immediately initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle near the area of 304 Duncan Road. There were originally three (3) people in the car.
When the deputy made contact with the involved individuals, they attempted to flee – which resulted in a brief scuffle. During the scuffle, the deputy incidentally discharged his firearm. No injuries were reported. The involved subjects then stole the deputy’s radio before fleeing the scene.
The subjects then continued into Charlotte County, where numerous resources – including patrol, K-9 (canine), and aviation units – were quickly deployed and allocated to the situation. This is when the first suspect was taken into custody.
A perimeter was quickly established by deputies, which spanned the area around Turbak Drive in Punta Gorda.
As the incident progressed, a local resident called 911 to report a suspicious vehicle that had pulled into their driveway (29110 Tamayo Drive) – which happened to match the exact description of the stolen vehicle.
Multiple witness interviews reported that two teenagers had abandoned the vehicle and fled southbound in the neighborhood towards nearby FEMA Trailers, which had been housing residents who were misplaced by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
When the first suspect was taken into custody, deputies were able to get names and other identifying information on the other two subjects. Although they couldn’t be identified by police dispatchers, they used technology called “ARTEC” to easily access student photos, which aided in their capture. The students appeared to be marked present in the first period.
As deputies began searching the stolen vehicle (now abandoned), they found two firearms inside the vehicle. The vehicle did not flag for narcotics or explosives by K-9 units.
By 8:32 AM this morning, both juveniles were placed in custody by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Investigation is pending.
There is NO active threat to the public at this time. All involved parties are accounted for.
