DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – New body camera video from Daytona Beach police shows the moment officers pulled over a father who then fled — first in his car, then on foot — with a young child in his arms.
Police say Cory Acree ran from officers on Williamson Boulevard over the weekend after they stopped him on suspicion of involvement in a shooting. When Acree crashed into an apartment complex gate and bailed from the vehicle, officers quickly realized he was not alone.
“We have a black male bailing out... small child! Small child! Baby bailing out with him,” an officer said in the body camera footage.
“He’s got a very small baby with him! Get on the ground and show me your hands,” the officer added.
[COVERING DAYTONA BEACH: Volusia County sheriff sues promoters of chaotic spring break events]
Officers say Acree fled into nearby woods with the child before he was finally apprehended. The initial stop came after police believed his car may have been connected to a shooting in the area.
“The reason I’m stopping you is this car may have been involved in a shooting. Were you shot at or anything like that?” the officer said to Acree during the stop.
Police say they asked Acree to remove a bag from the vehicle that appeared to contain drugs — and that is when he fled. While some officers pursued Acree, others worked to calm the frightened child.
“My dad was going faster. My leg hurts and my arm hurts,” the child told officers.
After taking Acree into custody, an officer addressed him directly.
“Everything that has happened to you tonight, sir, is a direct result of your actions,” the officer is heard saying.
Acree is currently being held at the Volusia County Jail. He is facing charges related to fleeing officers, child endangerment and drug possession. As for the shooting investigation that prompted the original traffic stop, police say they have determined Acree was involved, but the investigation is ongoing.
He is not currently facing charges in connection with the shooting. Acree is due back in court Thursday.