Winter Haven Police Chase Ends With 2 Crashes, Manhunt

WINTER HAVEN, FL — A convicted felon with a warrant out for his arrest allegedly led Winter Haven police on a wild chase Monday night that included a Polk County helicopter, multiple ground units, blown traffic lights, missed stop signs and speeds reaching 90 mph.

Twenty-two-year-old Jaquel Fleming was taken into custody after two crashes and a manhunt that ended when the Auburndale man was allegedly found in a vehicle outside a home on 2nd Street NE by K-9 Bane and his human partner, Officer Doyle. Police said they found a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun on the seat of Fleming's black, Nissan Juke.

"This is a perfect example of how cooperation between agencies helped to capture the bad guy," explained Winter Haven Public Safety Director and Police Chief Charlie Bird. "With our agencies being on the same radio channel, there was no time lost trying to decipher where the vehicle was. Auburndale, [Polk County Sheriff's Office] and our officers were all communicating together, which was paramount to the successful outcome."

Fleming was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer with lights/sirens activated, resisting arrest without violence and other offenses.

Jamie Brown of the Winter Haven Police Department said the incident took place around 10:30 p.m. When Winter Haven police received information that Fleming had allegedly fled an earlier traffic stop by the Auburndale Police Department.

"Officers had been made aware that the occupant was Fleming, a convicted felon, and had a warrant for his arrest on aggravated battery and armed burglary charges from Auburndale," said Brown.

"Winter Haven officers spotted the black Nissan Juke traveling at a high rate of speed entering the city limits of Winter Haven at Highway 92 and Highway 17," Brown explained. "Officers kept a safe distance while keeping a visual on the vehicle as he traveled south on Hwy 17 with speeds exceeding 90 mph."

The first crash took place when Fleming allegedly turned off his headlights while traveling at a high rate of speed through the intersection of 6th St NW and Central Ave. The vehicle Fleming allegedly struck suffered only minor damage. The other driver was not injured.

"With the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff's Officer air unit, the pilot continued to inform officers on the ground of where Fleming was traveling and also reported the traffic conditions ahead," said Brown.

Fleming allegedly crashed into a fence and fire hydrant at 3rd St NE and Ave Q NE. before taking off on foot.

"Fleming, the sole occupant of the car, ran from the vehicle ignoring all commands to stop," Brown said. "A perimeter was set up with Winter Haven and the Polk County Sheriff's Office and with the assistance of K-9 Bane and his partner, Officer Doyle, Fleming was located inside of another vehicle at a residence located on 2nd St NE. Fleming was then taken into custody without further incident."

Fleming was taken to Polk County Jail.