ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey issued a statement on Dec. 11 supporting an officer’s decision to arrest a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detective for fleeing or eluding, the Daytona Beach News Journal reported.
The arrest occurred Dec. 4 when Sgt. Caleb Braun stopped the detective, who was driving an unmarked sheriff’s office vehicle, after reportedly clocking him at 88 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to the report. Braun said the detective continued driving after emergency lights and a siren were activated, while other traffic yielded. The vehicle was eventually stopped after a second officer deployed stop sticks.
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During the incident, Braun drew his service weapon and ordered the driver out before identifying him. The detective said he had not realized police were trying to stop him and pulled over upon seeing the stop sticks, according to the report.
Four days later, the State Attorney’s Office declined to pursue the felony charge. No explanation was provided for the decision, but Godfrey stated it reflected prosecutorial discretion and not misconduct by the officer. He emphasized the difference between the legal standards for arrest and prosecution, stating that the arrest was based on probable cause.
“We stand firmly behind our sergeant,” Godfrey said. “His actions were consistent with OBPD training and expectations, and the information available to him at the time fully supported the decisions he made.”
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly previously expressed surprise at the arrest, citing what he called a lack of evidence that the detective intended to flee. Staly said the detective would be internally investigated regarding the speeding allegation, according to the report.
The detective was cited for speeding and has a court appearance set for Feb. 12 in Volusia County. He remains employed by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Body camera footage captured the exchange between Braun and the detective, who questioned the arrest. Braun asserted the driver ignored emergency lights and sirens and accelerated after they were turned off. The detective said his vehicle had heavily tinted windows and he did not notice the lights or siren.
Following the arrest, Braun acknowledged to a colleague that arresting a fellow law enforcement officer was “irritating,” but he believed the situation warranted it.
Volusia County deputies assisted at the scene, and their command staff notified Flagler officials of the arrest. Braun also attempted to make contact with Flagler command staff but was unsuccessful, according to the report.
