Flagler County law‑enforcement officials announced Saturday that they have taken into custody Lee Miller, 31, on multiple felony charges stemming from a cross‑county carjacking that began in Ormond Beach, Volusia County. The suspect fled toward Flagler County armed with a knife, leaving a woman and several children trapped inside the stolen vehicle.
Incident and pursuit
According to Sheriff Rick Staly, deputies were alerted after Miller crossed the county line while attempting to evade police. The suspect’s vehicle was spotted on Old Kings Road near a Wendy’s restaurant. Using stop sticks, officers forced the car to stop, but Miller abandoned the vehicle before they could make an arrest.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the woman who had initially reported herself as a victim, along with the children, still inside the car. Emergency responders quickly rescued the family, ensuring their safety.
Multi‑agency response
The pursuit and eventual capture of Miller involved a coordinated effort that included Flagler’s drone team, a FireFlight helicopter, and a K‑9 unit. The combined resources allowed officers to locate Miller’s whereabouts and bring him into custody without further incident.
“The female in the vehicle, who originally told deputies she was a victim, is also believed to be involved in the carjacking,” the sheriff’s office noted, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
Charges filed
Lee Miller now faces a series of charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude law‑enforcement, child neglect, and additional counts filed by Ormond Beach police. The flagging of child neglect underscores the seriousness with which the department treats the safety of minors in criminal situations.
Authorities have emphasized that any reports of a shooting during the incident are unfounded, and no weapons were discharged during the pursuit.
Community impact
The swift response by Flagler deputies highlights the county’s commitment to protecting families and upholding public safety across jurisdictional lines. Residents are reminded that law‑enforcement agencies in the region work closely together, sharing resources such as drones and aerial support to address violent crimes promptly.
Local officials encourage anyone with further information about the case to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The department continues to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the carjacking and the alleged involvement of the female passenger.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
