Man arrested after falling from tree in bizarre Flagler incident

A man was arrested Tuesday night in Flagler County in a bizarre incident that ended with him falling from a tree, deputies said.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said its helicopter was called to assist Flagler deputies in connection with a disturbance at a gas station. 

Authorities were called because George Garland Wood, 31, was involved in an argument.

Deputies said Wood ignored their orders to talk and instead jumped head-first through the open passenger window of a van and yelled, "Go, babe, go!"

Wood tried to operate the van, placing his hand on the accelerator, from the passenger side, while a deputy attempted to get control of him, officials said.

The van was placed in drive, then reverse, causing it to jump a curb and crash into a pole, officials said.

Deputies used a stun gun to subdue the Wood, who was handcuffed and placed into a patrol car, authorities said.

Wood managed to move his hands to the front, pry off the bars on the patrol car's rear window and escape, VCSO said.

Wood climbed a tree and was later spotted by the helicopter, deputies said.

As Flagler deputies approached him, the man said, "I am over here" and fell from the tree, injuring himself, officials said.

He was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries to his back.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is inspecting the vehicle and other similar models in its fleet to determine how Wood was able to break out, a news release said.

Wood is charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aiding escape, felony criminal mischief, being a fugitive from justice, resisting arrest without violence and driving with a suspended license.

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The man was treated and taken to jail.