A pursuit involving a stolen vehicle on the morning of October 31st concluded with the apprehension of two individuals, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Shortly after midnight on Halloween, PCSO received information that a burgundy Ford F250, reported stolen in Orlando on October 20th, was traveling west on I-4 in Polk County. PCSO deputies, supported by aviation, drone, and K9 units, located the vehicle.
The truck was seen exiting I-4, proceeding south on US 98, running a red light, executing a U-turn, and re-entering I-4 traveling east.
FHP Troopers located the vehicle near Exit 44, initiating a pursuit that ended after a PIT maneuver. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Deontrae Walden of Orlando, fled the vehicle on foot. The passenger, 40-year-old Marcus Holliday of Orlando, remained at the scene.
Walden attempted to evade capture by jumping a fence and entering a swampy, water-filled area. PCSO Deputy Gann and K9 Rone pursued Walden into the water, resulting in his immediate apprehension.
Walden was subsequently charged by the FHP with grand theft of a motor vehicle, vehicle burglary, fleeing to elude, trespassing, and resisting arrest. Holliday was charged with trespassing in a vehicle.
According to law enforcement records, both individuals have prior criminal histories.
Deontrae Walden is reportedly on federal probation. His prior charges include robbery, battery, disorderly conduct, burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, theft, possession of a weapon by a felon, and violation of probation (VOP).
Marcus Holliday is identified as a registered sex offender. His prior charges include lewd and lascivious battery on a child, gaining profit from prostitution, grand theft of a motor vehicle, carjacking, burglary, possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of burglary tools, and false identification.
READ: ‘Petty’ Pursuit Nets Felony Charge For Orlando Man In Winter Haven Family Dollar Theft
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