‘An amazing offer:’ Thousands taken in lottery scam at Volusia County RV park
Read full article: ‘An amazing offer:’ Thousands taken in lottery scam at Volusia County RV parkThe sheriff's office is now offering a reward for suspects who allegedly scammed a couple of men out of thousands of dollars this week.
Family urges Volusia Sheriff’s office to take down video showing minor son
Read full article: Family urges Volusia Sheriff’s office to take down video showing minor sonA family in Volusia County is urging Sheriff Mike Chitwood and his office to remove a video from Facebook that includes their teenage son's face.
‘$1K richer:’ Tipster helps Volusia deputies find wanted man accused of beating, dragging girlfriend, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘$1K richer:’ Tipster helps Volusia deputies find wanted man accused of beating, dragging girlfriend, sheriff saysVolusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood says a wanted man who recently beat, chased, and dragged his girlfriend on camera has been arrested.
8-year-old’s 911 call leads to father’s arrest in Volusia County overdose case
Read full article: 8-year-old’s 911 call leads to father’s arrest in Volusia County overdose caseA terrified 8-year-old boy called 911 Tuesday afternoon to report that his father would not wake up, leading to the arrest of a Volusia County man now facing child endangerment charges.
‘Sunny Florida is waiting:’ Volusia sheriff campaigns in New York City
Read full article: ‘Sunny Florida is waiting:’ Volusia sheriff campaigns in New York CityLast week, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood openly invited New York City residents to move to the Sunshine State after a heated mayoral election. Now, he's going after the police.
‘Such trauma:’ Child calls 911 after dad smokes heroin, Volusia sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Such trauma:’ Child calls 911 after dad smokes heroin, Volusia sheriff saysAn 8-year-old boy has been credited with saving his father’s life after finding him unconscious on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
‘Complete bull****:’ Volusia sheriff rips judge after deputy gets attacked at school
Read full article: ‘Complete bull****:’ Volusia sheriff rips judge after deputy gets attacked at schoolNearly a year after a deputy was attacked at Deltona Middle School, Sheriff Mike Chitwood is railing against the suspect's sentence.
‘Isn’t here to take your job:’ Volusia County’s 911 center uses AI system to handle non-emergency calls
Read full article: ‘Isn’t here to take your job:’ Volusia County’s 911 center uses AI system to handle non-emergency callsInside Volusia County’s 911 communications center, a new voice is answering the phones and it’s not human.
‘They were bored:’ Teen destroyed green with truck at New Smyrna Beach golf course, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘They were bored:’ Teen destroyed green with truck at New Smyrna Beach golf course, sheriff saysAfter a New Smyrna Beach golf course was heavily vandalized last month, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood has finally revealed the suspect involved.
‘Testament to this community:’ Volunteers rally at Daytona International Speedway for SNAP food drive
Read full article: ‘Testament to this community:’ Volunteers rally at Daytona International Speedway for SNAP food driveAccording to Sheriff Mike Chitwood, more than 39,000 households in Volusia County rely on SNAP benefits. With recent cuts taking effect, local food banks and volunteers say the need has surged in recent weeks.
‘Not the end:’ Volusia sheriff invites New Yorkers to Florida after mayoral election
Read full article: ‘Not the end:’ Volusia sheriff invites New Yorkers to Florida after mayoral electionAfter New York City elected Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as its next mayor, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood invited New Yorkers to move to the Sunshine State.
Food drive at Daytona International Speedway to aid families affected by SNAP funding cuts
Read full article: Food drive at Daytona International Speedway to aid families affected by SNAP funding cutsDonations will be accepted on Saturday at the Sunoco Injector off NASCAR Drive at the Daytona International Speedway. The food distribution event for verified SNAP recipients will take place on Sunday.
‘Badge will be melted down:’ Former Volusia deputy arrested in fraud scheme, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Badge will be melted down:’ Former Volusia deputy arrested in fraud scheme, sheriff saysA former Volusia County deputy has been arrested as part of a fraud investigation, according to Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
‘Just playing:’ Kill list lands 11-year-old behind bars, Volusia sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Just playing:’ Kill list lands 11-year-old behind bars, Volusia sheriff saysAn 11-year-old student was arrested on Monday after she wrote a “kill list” at her desk, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement steps up patrols as thousands flock to Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest
Read full article: Law enforcement steps up patrols as thousands flock to Daytona Beach for BiketoberfestWith sunny skies and thousands of bikers rolling into town, Volusia County law enforcement is increasing its presence as the 33rd annual Biketoberfest gets underway.
Volusia County e-bike crash simulation provides valuable training for first responders
Read full article: Volusia County e-bike crash simulation provides valuable training for first respondersLaw enforcement, paramedics, and hospital workers came together on Wednesday for a training exercise designed to increase awareness about e-bike safety.
Pre-trial hearing set for owner of dog that killed 8-year-old in DeLand
Read full article: Pre-trial hearing set for owner of dog that killed 8-year-old in DeLandOne of two dog owners charged in connection with the death of an 8-year-old boy who was fatally mauled while riding his bike earlier this year will appear in court Monday for a pre-trial hearing.
Attorney for gas station clerk accused of fatally shooting Edgewater officer argues to seal confession from public
Read full article: Attorney for gas station clerk accused of fatally shooting Edgewater officer argues to seal confession from publicAttorneys for a gas station clerk accused of shooting and killing an off-duty Edgewater police officer will ask a judge to prohibit the release of his confession, according to court documents.
New details emerge in fatal shooting of Edgewater police officer at gas station
Read full article: New details emerge in fatal shooting of Edgewater police officer at gas stationA gas station clerk accused of fatally shooting an off-duty Edgewater police officer told deputies he was having a bad day, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
These Central Florida sheriffs will stop enforcing open carry gun ban amid appeals court ruling
Read full article: These Central Florida sheriffs will stop enforcing open carry gun ban amid appeals court rulingMost of Central Florida sheriff’s offices say they will no longer enforce Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns after a state appeals court ruled the ban was unconstitutional.
VIDEO: Volusia sheriff stops reckless driver after high-speed chase on I-95
Read full article: VIDEO: Volusia sheriff stops reckless driver after high-speed chase on I-95According to a social media post, Christian Will Ottinot, 24, of Broward County, swerved through traffic, ran red lights, and hit 118 mph up and down I-95 after fleeing from Port Orange police on Wednesday morning.
‘Another scumbag fraud artist:’ North Carolina man scams Volusia County woman out of $30K, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Another scumbag fraud artist:’ North Carolina man scams Volusia County woman out of $30K, sheriff saysA 56-year-old North Carolina man faces charges after being accused of scamming a Volusia County woman out of $30,000, according to Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
‘Serious consequences:’ 3 Florida teens arrested after kicking home’s door in social media challenge
Read full article: ‘Serious consequences:’ 3 Florida teens arrested after kicking home’s door in social media challengeThree juveniles in Volusia County are facing serious charges after deputies said they kicked a door in Deltona as part of a social media “door kick challenge.”
California suspects accused of swindling nearly $500K from Orange City woman, sheriff says
Read full article: California suspects accused of swindling nearly $500K from Orange City woman, sheriff saysA man and a woman from California have been arrested to face fraud charges in Volusia County, according to Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Lake Helen debates future of police department, possible Volusia Sheriff’s Office takeover
Read full article: Lake Helen debates future of police department, possible Volusia Sheriff’s Office takeoverLake Helen is considering whether to disband its police department and contract with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.
DeSantis raises concerns as ICE recruits Florida deputies, police amid agency expansion
Read full article: DeSantis raises concerns as ICE recruits Florida deputies, police amid agency expansionLaw enforcement agencies across central Florida are facing a new challenge amid widespread understaffing. Federal immigration enforcement agency ICE has begun recruiting deputies and police officers from Florida departments to join its newly expanded force.
‘Tragic all the way around:’ Dog kills 5-month-old baby in Volusia County, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Tragic all the way around:’ Dog kills 5-month-old baby in Volusia County, sheriff saysA 5-month-old boy was killed by a 130-pound dog near Ormond Beach, according to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
‘Not a good thing:’ Pierson residents raise alarm after town leaders cut services from Volusia Sheriff’s Office
Read full article: ‘Not a good thing:’ Pierson residents raise alarm after town leaders cut services from Volusia Sheriff’s OfficeThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office will pull full-time emergency services from Pierson after the town decided to end its contract with the office, leaving residents uncertain about who to call for help.
Volusia County deputies ramp up patrols on dangerous roads following deadly crashes
Read full article: Volusia County deputies ramp up patrols on dangerous roads following deadly crashesDrivers along U.S. 17, State Road 11 and State Road 40 may have noticed an increased law-enforcement presence in recent weeks, and that’s no coincidence.
Bodycam shows Volusia stabbing suspect charging at officer with dagger before he was fatally shot
Read full article: Bodycam shows Volusia stabbing suspect charging at officer with dagger before he was fatally shotBody camera video released shows the intense moments leading up to law enforcement officers opening fire on an 18-year-old stabbing suspect who charged at an officer with a knife, according to sheriff.
‘Mongolian Beef:’ 28 arrested in Volusia County motorcycle gang case
Read full article: ‘Mongolian Beef:’ 28 arrested in Volusia County motorcycle gang caseNews 6's Molly Reed rode along as members of a motorcycle gang in Volusia County were arrested as part of a major statewide investigation that kicked off with a shooting at a gas station back in March.
Volusia County father charged with 1st-degree murder in son’s hot car death
Read full article: Volusia County father charged with 1st-degree murder in son’s hot car deathAn Ormond Beach man arrested after his 18-month-old son died in a hot truck is now charged with first-degree murder, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
1-year-old left alone in hot truck died while dad drank at Volusia bar, deputies say
Read full article: 1-year-old left alone in hot truck died while dad drank at Volusia bar, deputies sayA Central Florida man is arrested after his 18-month-old son dies from being “left helpless” for hours in a hot truck, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Ride-along with Sheriff Chitwood: Scumbags, scammers, and standing up for what’s right
Read full article: Ride-along with Sheriff Chitwood: Scumbags, scammers, and standing up for what’s rightVolusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has never been one to mince words. Known for his blunt style and no-holds-barred approach to crime, Chitwood has built a national reputation by saying and doing what many others won't.
Central Florida law enforcement issue statements, warnings ahead of anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests
Read full article: Central Florida law enforcement issue statements, warnings ahead of anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protestsMore than 70 of the nearly 2,000 “No Kings” protests planned across the world are set to take place in Florida, where law enforcement is weighing in and issuing warnings ahead of time.
‘Welcome to Florida:’ Georgia woman arrested for Bitcoin scam that stole $17K from Volusia man
Read full article: ‘Welcome to Florida:’ Georgia woman arrested for Bitcoin scam that stole $17K from Volusia manA Georgia woman faces fraud charges after she used a Bitcoin scam to steal $17,000 from a Daytona Beach man, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Florida sheriff offers $10,000 reward after teen grazed in head by bullet while riding home from grad party
Read full article: Florida sheriff offers $10,000 reward after teen grazed in head by bullet while riding home from grad partyA $10,000 reward is being offered after a 16-year-old was grazed in the head by a stray bullet near DeLand.
Florida sheriff offers $10,000 reward offered after teen grazed in head by bullet while riding home from grad party
Read full article: Florida sheriff offers $10,000 reward offered after teen grazed in head by bullet while riding home from grad partyA $10,000 reward is being offered after a 16-year-old was grazed in the head by a stray bullet near DeLand.
Florida lawmakers OK dangerous dogs bill while animal cruelty bill awaits final vote
Read full article: Florida lawmakers OK dangerous dogs bill while animal cruelty bill awaits final voteA bill aimed to better identify and regulate dangerous dogs in Florida is now heading for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, while a bill to crack down on animal cruelty waits for final passage.
Survivor, former state senator walks 1,500 miles to raise awareness for sexual assault
Read full article: Survivor, former state senator walks 1,500 miles to raise awareness for sexual assaultLauren Book, a former state senator from South Florida, is one of the 42 million survivors of child sexual abuse living in the U.S. She started the non-profit Lauren’s Kids to educate adults and children about sexual abuse prevention.
‘Chaos is not welcome:’ Volusia sheriff threatens ‘travel advisor’ over Daytona Beach spring break recommendation
Read full article: ‘Chaos is not welcome:’ Volusia sheriff threatens ‘travel advisor’ over Daytona Beach spring break recommendationVolusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood warned a “travel advisor” on Thursday that spring breakers are not welcome after the man told Daily Mail that Daytona Beach was the next destination.
‘Routine and predatory acts:’ Woman files suit against Holly Hill over police misconduct allegations
Read full article: ‘Routine and predatory acts:’ Woman files suit against Holly Hill over police misconduct allegationsA woman is suing the city of Holly Hill alleging the former police chief and others in the department of engaging in “routine and predatory acts in the workplace towards women for years,” according to court documents.
Volusia sheriff reports calmer spring break with teens despite nearly quadrupling arrests
Read full article: Volusia sheriff reports calmer spring break with teens despite nearly quadrupling arrestsThe excitement of spring break has settled down along Central Florida's coast as most students return to school.
Florida bill calls for more regulations on dangerous dogs
Read full article: Florida bill calls for more regulations on dangerous dogsVolusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood joined the family of an 8-year-old boy killed in a DeLand dog attack to speak on behalf of a bill they hope can prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Mother drives from Georgia to pick up teen accused of alcohol violation in Volusia, sheriff says
Read full article: Mother drives from Georgia to pick up teen accused of alcohol violation in Volusia, sheriff saysVolusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood’s warnings toward parents were demonstrated following the arrest of a 16-year-old accused of an alcohol violation.
Volusia jail staff, officers to receive ICE training for detaining undocumented individuals
Read full article: Volusia jail staff, officers to receive ICE training for detaining undocumented individualsLaw enforcement officers across Florida may soon receive new training from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Counterfeit Xanax, found in home of dead overdose victim, tests positive for fentanyl, Volusia sheriff says
Read full article: Counterfeit Xanax, found in home of dead overdose victim, tests positive for fentanyl, Volusia sheriff saysDozens of counterfeit Xanax pills have been recovered from the Deltona home of an overdose victim who was found dead, according to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Miami Beach mayor says no to getting back together a year after breaking up with spring breakers
Read full article: Miami Beach mayor says no to getting back together a year after breaking up with spring breakersMiami Beach broke up with spring break last year and city leaders still aren’t interested in couples counseling.
Former Volusia deputy accused of demanding sex from woman in marked cruiser gets 6-month sentence
Read full article: Former Volusia deputy accused of demanding sex from woman in marked cruiser gets 6-month sentenceA former Volusia County deputy arrested on allegations he held a woman against her will inside a marked patrol car and demanded a sex act from her has been sentenced to almost six months in prison, court records show.
New York woman arrested in Volusia County sweepstakes scam targeting elderly
Read full article: New York woman arrested in Volusia County sweepstakes scam targeting elderlyA woman is in jail, and her co-defendant has bonded out after authorities said they scammed an 84-year-old woman out of thousands of dollars in a fake Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes.
‘Really don’t want you here:’ Volusia sheriff puts out warning to parents, teens ahead of spring break
Read full article: ‘Really don’t want you here:’ Volusia sheriff puts out warning to parents, teens ahead of spring breakAfter chaos erupted on the beach on President’s Day with hundreds of teenagers, Sheriff Mike Chitwood put out a warning ahead of spring break: Break a law and you’ll be arrested.
Daytona International Speedway sees tight security as fans gather for NASCAR’s biggest race
Read full article: Daytona International Speedway sees tight security as fans gather for NASCAR’s biggest raceAhead of NASCAR’s biggest race, there have been several events at Daytona International Speedway and security has been tight around the track.
Florida lawmakers push for tougher dog attack penalties following child’s death
Read full article: Florida lawmakers push for tougher dog attack penalties following child’s deathA Florida lawmaker has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s dangerous-dog laws following the death of an 8-year-old boy who was mauled in Volusia County last month.
Volusia state attorney hands over fatal dog attack case to avoid conflict of interest
Read full article: Volusia state attorney hands over fatal dog attack case to avoid conflict of interestR.J. Larizza, state attorney for the 7th Judicial District of Florida, has voluntarily disqualified himself from the investigation and prosecution of a dog attack that killed a DeLand boy.
Accusations fly after DeLand 8-year-old killed in brutal dog attack
Read full article: Accusations fly after DeLand 8-year-old killed in brutal dog attackAccording to the attorneys, the boy was waiting with a friend in a local gated community when the pair was approached by a couple of dogs "that did not belong."
10 face charges after “mob mentality” brutal assault in De Leon Springs
Read full article: 10 face charges after “mob mentality” brutal assault in De Leon SpringsTen individuals are facing charges following what the Volusia County Sheriff describes as a brutal assault and battery incident over the weekend.
Volusia sheriff asks residents for info after child was mauled to death by 2 dogs
Read full article: Volusia sheriff asks residents for info after child was mauled to death by 2 dogsThe Volusia sheriff is seeking information from residents after an 8-year-old boy was mauled to death by two dogs that “have been terrorizing the neighborhood for a while.”
Arrest warrant issued for solar power salesman accused of defrauding Volusia County homeowners
Read full article: Arrest warrant issued for solar power salesman accused of defrauding Volusia County homeownersA Volusia County judge has issued an arrest warrant for a solar power salesman accused of defrauding an Ormond Beach couple out of tens of thousands of dollars, the sheriff’s office says
‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing:’ Real estate agents accused of exploiting sickly Florida couple
Read full article: ‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing:’ Real estate agents accused of exploiting sickly Florida coupleA pair of real estate agents behind bars in Flagler County are accused in what Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood called an elaborate scam targeting an Ormond Beach couple looking to sell their properties, leading to one of the victim’s deaths after one of the agents signed a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) on their behalf.
‘LIVE 911’ system helps cut Volusia deputies' response times to ‘seconds’
Read full article: ‘LIVE 911’ system helps cut Volusia deputies' response times to ‘seconds’Deputies in Volusia County have now had a new 911 technology for a year in their vehicles and Sheriff Mike Chitwood said it has been a game-changer for their response times.
UPDATE: Volusia Thanksgiving shooter fired over 700 rounds before SWAT death
Read full article: UPDATE: Volusia Thanksgiving shooter fired over 700 rounds before SWAT deathShortly after the shooting happened, investigators announced that the man had fired over 200 rounds at neighbors and deputies before being taken out. But a week later, Sheriff Chitwood provided an updated figure.
Volusia deputies, nonprofits start campaign to prevent autistic children drowning deaths
Read full article: Volusia deputies, nonprofits start campaign to prevent autistic children drowning deathsJust in the last month, three children with autism drowned in Central Florida after eloping or wandering from their families.
‘I’m not judging you:’ Florida sheriff’s office video shows effort to stop gunman who fired at homes
Read full article: ‘I’m not judging you:’ Florida sheriff’s office video shows effort to stop gunman who fired at homesVolusia County Sheriff’s Office body camera video shows some of the efforts deputies made to get a man to stop shooting at homes in an Ormond-by-the-Sea neighborhood Thursday.
SWAT sniper kills man who fired 200 shots at Florida homes, deputies say
Read full article: SWAT sniper kills man who fired 200 shots at Florida homes, deputies sayA sniper with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team shot and killed a man accused of shooting at condo units and law enforcement near Ormond-By-The-Sea on Thanksgiving, according to Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
A Florida woman told a man she was ordering pizza. She actually called 911 to report a sex attack, deputies say
Read full article: A Florida woman told a man she was ordering pizza. She actually called 911 to report a sex attack, deputies sayVolusia County deputies arrest a man they say was sexually assaulting a woman.
Shop roofs among the Milton debris making driving in Volusia County hazardous
Read full article: Shop roofs among the Milton debris making driving in Volusia County hazardousA curfew order is still in place in Volusia County, and Sheriff Mike Chitwood says one of the reasons is the debris from Hurricane Milton makes driving hazardous.
Days after posting mugshot of a boy accused of school threat, sheriff puts video of 2 teens online
Read full article: Days after posting mugshot of a boy accused of school threat, sheriff puts video of 2 teens onlineCommunities nationwide are being battered by a wave of school shooting threats, with emergency notifications and group chat messages sparking parents’ fears their child’s school could be the next Parkland or Uvalde.
Florida sheriff fed up with school shooting hoaxes posts boy's mugshot to social media
Read full article: Florida sheriff fed up with school shooting hoaxes posts boy's mugshot to social mediaA Florida sheriff fed up with a spate of false school shooting threats is taking a new tactic to try get through to students and their parents: he’s posting the mugshot of any offender on social media.
‘Stop doing it:’ 2 Volusia students arrested after school threats were posted to social media
Read full article: ‘Stop doing it:’ 2 Volusia students arrested after school threats were posted to social mediaA 13-year-old and a 14-year-old were arrested in Volusia County, accused of posting threats on TikTok and Instagram to commit a shooting at their school, the latest in a string of online threats and rumors across Central Florida in the last few days.
Volusia sheriff asks parents, community to volunteer, be part of school safety solution
Read full article: Volusia sheriff asks parents, community to volunteer, be part of school safety solutionThe Volusia Sheriff is asking parents and residents to hit the crosswalks and get involved to keep students safe. It’s for a new School Traffic Safety volunteer program.
Second alleged shooter, 15 years old, faces murder charges after teen’s killing in Pierson
Read full article: Second alleged shooter, 15 years old, faces murder charges after teen’s killing in PiersonThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 15-year-old boy as the accused second shooter in an attempted robbery that turned fatal in Pierson.
17-year-old arrested after teen killed, another injured in Volusia County shooting
Read full article: 17-year-old arrested after teen killed, another injured in Volusia County shootingA 17-year-old girl faces murder charges after turning herself in and allegedly confessing to a role in a shooting that left a 17-year-old boy dead and another person injured in Pierson, what the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says stemmed from an attempted robbery.
Boat, trailer theft could be part of larger operation, Volusia deputies say
Read full article: Boat, trailer theft could be part of larger operation, Volusia deputies sayThe Volusia Sheriff's Office said it's now looking for a man, and possibly two suspects, it believes stole a boat and trailer last week. They're believed to possibly be tied to a larger operation or ring.