A reported shoplifting incident in Martin County turned into a multi-county search after deputies said the suspected getaway driver refused to stop and continued through traffic at dangerous speeds.
Derwyn Don Edwards, 24, of Lake Worth, was eventually arrested after a sheriff’s office helicopter tracked the vehicle into Palm Beach County and helped ground officers pinpoint his location.
The pursuit took an unusual turn when the initial deputy stopped following the vehicle.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies determined the circumstances did not meet the agency’s requirements for continuing a ground pursuit. The deputy therefore ended the chase and shut off the patrol car’s emergency lights and siren.
The vehicle did not stop there. They said the driver continued south toward Interstate 95, reaching speeds of more than 80 mph at times and running red lights.
Instead of sending patrol vehicles after him, Martin County’s Air 1 located the vehicle from above and continued monitoring its movements after it crossed into Palm Beach County. The helicopter then directed an unmarked unit toward the vehicle after Edwards reportedly stopped and attempted to hide.
The Incident Began With a Reported Liquor Theft
Before the aerial search began, deputies were responding to a reported theft at a Publix liquor store. Martin County said Edwards entered the store at 8605 SE Federal Highway around 11:24 a.m. on Sept. 10 and allegedly left with multiple bottles of liquor.
Store employees provided deputies with a description of the suspect and his vehicle. A deputy later spotted the vehicle near SE Dominica Terrace and Federal Highway, leading to the attempted traffic stop.
That stop was unsuccessful and the situation developed into the dangerous drive described by authorities.
Custody in Palm Beach County
Once Air 1 located the vehicle, deputies coordinated with an unmarked unit and the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver was taken into custody after authorities said he attempted to conceal himself following the drive.
He was booked into the Martin County Jail and faces theft and fleeing-related charges, including first-degree petit theft and aggravated fleeing with injury or damage, according to jail records.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Edwards is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
Commenters React to the Chase That Went From Ground to Air
The unusual pursuit drew plenty of attention online, with commenters reacting to everything from the decision to end the ground chase to the use of a sheriff’s helicopter to continue tracking the vehicle.
Some users questioned why the suspect would continue driving after deputies had already backed off, while others focused on the reported speeds and traffic violations.
Several commenters also discussed the decision to use Air 1 rather than continue a high-speed pursuit on the road.