On June 28, 2024, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office advised they had a vehicle flee from a traffic stop and was last seen entering Lake County. It was advised that the deputy identified the registered owner as the person driving, and they had Fleeing and Eluding charges. While proactively patrolling, a Lake County deputy observed the vehicle pass him on CR 42, Paisley. Upon trying to catch up to the vehicle, it turned onto a forest road, and the deputy lost sight of the vehicle. The deputy began to follow tire tracks and eventually located the vehicle abandoned on a trail. A Lake County K9 unit responded, conducted a track, and located the defendant hiding in a thick brush. The defendant failed to comply with multiple commands, and the K9 apprehended the subject. The defendant, James Ford, was found in possession of live handgun rounds, and it was discovered he is a convicted felon. The subject was transported to the Lake County Jail and charged accordingly.
