Flagler deputy injured while pursuing Taco Bell robbery suspects

Suspects face several charges

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Flagler County deputy was injured during the pursuit of two men accused of robbing a Palm Coast Taco Bell on Wednesday morning, the sheriff's office said.

Jason Klokow, 37, pulled a blue four-door vehicle into the drive-through of the fast food restaurant around 12:48 a.m. and handed the cashier a note that said, "Be quiet and hand me the money. I have a gun," according to a news release.

Deputies said Christopher McMillian, 28, was in the passenger's seat.

The victim called 911 to report the crime and deputies found the suspect vehicle at a McDonald's parking lot on Old Kings Road, according to the report.

Deputies said Klokow sped off when he saw law enforcement approaching. Authorities pursued the vehicle on Interstate 95 South into Volusia County until the vehicle exited onto U.S. 1, where it crashed into Flagler deputy Craig Rossi's patrol car, officials said.

Dash camera video from Rossi's patrol car shows Klokow attempting to make a U-turn as authorities are trying to stop him. The sedan then careens toward Rossi with the side of that vehicle hitting the front of his patrol car.

That video is available in the video player at the top of this story. The crash can be seen at timemark 4:33.

Jason Klokow and Christopher McMillian

Rossi's airbags deployed and he suffered injuries to his forearm and chest. He was taken to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach for treatment. He has since been released.

Deputies said they deployed stop sticks to halt the suspect vehicle near Walmart in Ormond Beach. McMillian ran out of the vehicle, but a Flagler deputy and a Holy Hill police officer arrested him near the back of the store, officials said.

“We’re grateful for the assistance of the surrounding agencies in helping us take these two dangerous dirtbags into custody before they seriously hurt someone,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Our deputies did an outstanding job apprehending these two armed robbers. Deputy Rossi is going to be OK and back out fighting crime before we know it. Two more beds are filled at the Green Roof Inn.”

Klokow was charged with robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement. McMillian was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement and accessory after the fact. Deputies also said McMillian had an active warrant for failure to pay child support.

DeLand police said Friday that Klokow was facing charges in connection with a robbery that had taken place at another Taco Bell earlier this week.

Klokow admitted to passing a note demanding money to an employee working the drive-thru window Tuesday at a Taco Bell on Woodland Boulevard around 1:40 a.m., police said.

Deputies said that as one of the employees was passing Klokow the money, he sprayed a chemical in an employee's face.

Klokow is being held without bail in the Volusia County Jail.


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