ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – A man who had been temporarily released from jail to be treated for a medical condition last week injured a nurse while fleeing from a hospital before he was taken back into custody Monday evening, Flagler County deputies said.
Richard Westervelt, 25, complained about having chest pains Friday while he was being held in the Flagler County Jail and was then taken to Florida Hospital Flagler, deputies said. A judge allowed Westervelt to be temporarily released so that taxpayers would not be responsible for his medical bills, but once he was cleared from the hospital, he fled and knocked a nurse over in the process, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Flagler County deputies, along with Ormond Beach police, tried to pull Westervelt over in Ormond Beach Monday evening, but he crashed the vehicle he was driving into an unmarked Sheriff's Office vehicle and fled on US 1, deputies said.
Officers said they continued to pursue Westervelt on US 1 and later took him into custody before transporting him to the Volusia County Jail.
“These dirtbags continue to test our resolve,” Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said. “It was a well-executed apprehension, and I thank the Ormond Beach Police Department and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office for their assistance. He (Westervelt) is back at the Green Roof Inn where he belongs.”
Deputies said Westervelt is facing multiple drug charges, one charge of operating a vehicle with a suspended license and fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement. Charges of battery on a health service provider have also been submitted to the state attorney's office, deputies said.
Westervelt is expected to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.