CASSELBERRY, Fla. – A suspect fled a traffic stop in Sanford Tuesday, ending with a crash that killed two innocent bystanders on U.S. 17-92 in Casselberry.
From the beginning, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said it did not actively pursue the suspect, 26-year-old Marquavious Wheaton, as he allegedly sped through Seminole County at speeds exceeding 100 mph. However, witnesses told News 6 that law enforcement swarmed the crash scene quickly, leaving some to wonder how.
Now we know.
News 6’s Troy Campbell spoke exclusively with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, which explained how it kept track of the suspect from the air.
Video from the helicopter obtained by News 6 shows how the pilot kept ahead of the suspect as he weaved in and out of traffic, and directed law enforcement where to park their patrol vehicles along U.S. 17-92.
The pilot also directed the moment when officers put down stop sticks to catch Wheaton. However, the crash happened before Wheaton encountered the stop sticks.
Then, once the crash happened, the patrol vehicles that had been parked along 17-92 were able to quickly respond to the crash.
Deputies say the crash killed 42-year-old Christopher Marier, and 40-year-old Tyler Marier.
Christopher Marier was an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at UCF. The school issued the following statement:
“We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Marier’s family, friends, students, colleagues, and all who knew him. Although his time at UCF was brief, Dr. Marier quickly became a valued member of our community. Through his teaching, scholarship, and mentorship, he inspired students and made meaningful contributions to the Department of Criminal Justice. We are grateful for the impact he made on our students and our community, and our thoughts are with those grieving his loss.”
You are also welcome to use this statement from Dr. Gene Paoline, professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice.
“Our department is deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless loss, and our hearts are with Chris’ loved ones. He was a bright, accomplished, and thoughtful scholar who cared deeply about his students and colleagues. We are grateful for the time we had with him and the lasting impact he made on our department.”
UCF spokesperson
Wheaton was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. Charges against him are still being determined.