VOLUSIA COUNTY

The name of the man who caught on fire and died on Jan. 12 after a van burst into flames outside Daytona Beach police headquarters has been released, officials said.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — For many school districts across Florida the story is the same; a shortage of teachers has several districts in crisis mode. Volusia United Educators president Elizabeth Albert says Volusia County schools are falling short when it comes to staffing and the pandemic has only made it worse. “It’s just becoming harder every single day for people to stay in this calling because it really is a calling,” Albert said. Volusia Schools Superintendent Scott Fritz said in an effort to attract applicants, the district has increased pay for substitutes from $10 an hour to $13.50, in addition to actively recruiting college graduates. A list of current openings with Volusia County Schools can be found here.

Deltona's city commission is voting Tuesday night on a proposed ordinance that some food truck owners feel could cut into their business.

The #BettyWhiteChallenge calls for people to donate money to an animal shelter on Jan. 17 in honor of Betty White’s birthday.

Three men were injured in a drive-by shooting near DeLand and another was shot outside a home in Deltona early Sunday, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Bethune-Cookman University officials said a fire in a residence hall Friday night triggered sprinklers that flooded each floor of the building and will temporarily displace about 135 students.

“Then, we ran into Thanksgiving, and we don’t do evictions during the holidays,” he explained. Volusia County reopened its portal this week, only to shut it back down a half hour later after the maximum 500 families applied. Lippman estimated that his eviction business had declined 40% since the beginning of the pandemic, meaning there was a backlog still to overcome. He said some of his clients were mom-and-pop operations who couldn’t make their mortgage payments after their tenants stopped paying. He said their choices will be to either refinance their properties or fight the eviction, though he noted banks usually win those fights.

Law enforcement officials engaged in a chase with and eventually arrested an alleged drug dealer Thursday night who used the child in his car as a shield when confronted by officers, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A driver was arrested after deputies said he fled a traffic stop with fentanyl, methamphetamine and a child in his car. A Holly Hill police officer spotted the car after the initial deputy lost sight of it, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said. The officer found the car abandoned in the backyard of 940 Gardenia Drive in Daytona Beach, with the driver’s door open. The officer drew his Taser and ordered the man to stop, but the suspect was holding a 4-year-old boy between himself and the officer. When the door opened from the inside, the suspect pushed the child through and ran inside behind him, according to deputies.

Wildlife officials in Volusia County said Friday they are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to participate in upcoming Manatee Watch events in February.

A woman was attacked by a black bear in DeBary.

An accused serial killer linked to the deaths of three women killed in Daytona Beach appeared virtually for a court hearing Friday, less than month before his trial is set to begin.

Staff have had to reallocate tests across their facilities in the U.S. and bring them to Central Florida.

A bicyclist was severely injured in a crash in Port Orange on Wednesday night, according to police.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A DeLand man was arrested Wednesday, accused of selling drugs out of his apartment where his three kids also lived. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Detectives with the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force arrested 35-year-old Montrell Brundidge after a 6 a.m. raid at his apartment on New Hampshire Ave., directly across the street from DeLand Middle School. Volusia County drugs, guns arrestDetectives also found four guns and more than $1,300 in cash. He’s being held in the Volusia County jail on $525,000. READ: DeLand police investigating reports of suspicious vehicle following children to and from schoolThere were no injuries reported in the raid on Brundidge’s apartment.

Daytona Beach Police Department unveiled its new fallen officer memorial at the department on Wednesday, replacing one destroyed in an accident two years ago.

The Deland Police Department is investigating several reports of a man driving a black vehicle and following children from local schools.

An emergency rental assistance portal that opened at 9 a.m. Wednesday to Volusia County tenants reached capacity in just 36 minutes, according to the county’s Community Assistance Division.

New details were released at a news briefing Wednesday after a man caught fire and died earlier the same day when a van burst into flames outside Daytona Beach police headquarters.

Construction is now underway for the Florida Straw Project in Deltona.

Daytona Beach police are investigating after a body was found in a burning vehicle outside police headquarters.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The crackdown on pop-up events is intensifying in Volusia County. Officials say the unsanctioned, unlicensed and unpermitted events create a problem with traffic. In 2021, thousands of trucks came to Daytona Beach where people blocked traffic, did burnouts on the road and broke out in fights. READ: Disney World unveils new ticket option for Florida residentsIt’s legislation that Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood supports. “We need a way to fight back, and I think this legislation does that,” he said.

Officials with Volusia County Public Schools are changing up the daily routines of students in an effort to keep them on track, in line and out of trouble.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County opened a COVID-19 testing site at the Volusia County Fairgrounds on Monday. On the first day of testing, hundreds of people received COVID-19 rapid tests. The fairgrounds marks the fourth county pop-up testing location offering drive-thru testing in the county. READ: Insurers directed by Biden to cover 8 at-home COVID-19 tests per person per monthThe county’s positive rate tripled to 22.4% between Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. The health department expects cases to peak in Volusia County within a week or two.

Six months after a News 6 investigation uncovered new information about a Volusia County man’s alleged scheme to take possession of houses using fraudulent deeds, prosecutors have charged Javon Renard Walden with organized fraud.

After still seeing long lines at those county sites Monday, Volusia officials said they would add more appointments at the fairgrounds.

A New Hampshire man was arrested in Holly Hill on Friday after police said he was involved in a hit-and-run using a stolen vehicle.

Volusia County is reopening its emergency rental assistance portal this week for eligible households.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 15-year-old Deltona girl was arrested on Saturday after stealing $15,000 from her grandparents and then running away from home, deputies said. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office also arrested a 39-year-old woman who accepted some of the money from the 15-year-old. Deputies said the victims suspected their granddaughter, whom they said has a history of theft, drug use and running away from home. Sikora was charged with grand theft and was released on $2,500 bond early Sunday. Anna Marie Sikora Mugshot (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)The 15-year-old was charged with burglary and grand theft and later released by the Department of Juvenile Justice with a future court date, deputies said.

A 15-year-old girl and a 39-year-old woman face charges after the teen stole more than $15,000 from her grandparents' safe, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said he is frustrated at a growing and violent trend of teens with weapons.

DELAND, Fla. — Volusia County deputies have arrested two teenagers after the youths pulled a gun on someone at a skating rink. WATCH: Teen shot and killed in Orange County, deputies sayDeputies said the boys were with a group of kids outside a place called The Rink in DeLand on Friday night. Investigators said an employee was closing the business around 11:15 p.m. and asked the kids to leave. READ: Florida returns $25M in unclaimed property to residents; are you among them? Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

A pair of teenagers, 14 and 15, were accused of using a stolen gun to threaten someone at a skating rink Friday night, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

The family of a slain 89-year-old woman releases a statement about her death.

Darren Brown and Mikel Debose Volusia County deputies said two 15-year-olds are facing charges of attempted murder after an 18-year-old was shot in the face Thursday in Deltona. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County deputies said two 15-year-olds are facing charges of attempted murder after an 18-year-old was shot in the face Thursday in Deltona. Deputies said the man who was shot was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries but is expected to survive. Deputies said an altercation broke out, leading to Debose shooting the 18-year-old before getting into the victim’s car and driving away. They were each placed on juvenile probation with counseling and a curfew.

Deputies arrested two 15-year-old boys, who were already on probation for a violent home invasion, after a shooting in Deltona Thursday evening.

The county has contracted with Family Health Source to manage the testing site at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand starting on Monday.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital Thursday. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Deputies were called to the intersection of Wilmington Drive and Tivoli Drive just after 6:15 p.m. for reports of a person shot. DeSantis suspends 2 Sumter County commissioners accused of lying under oathThe victim was taken to the hospital to be treated. The sheriff’s office didn’t comment on the severity of his injuries. READ: Army veteran shot by police during alleged carjacking denied bondThis story is developing.

A man was injured in a Deltona shooting Thursday night, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office tweeted.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Ponce Inlet police are investigating the first murder in the coastal town of 3,200 people in nearly 20 years. An 89-year-old woman was killed by her caregiver and her caregiver’s husband, according to police. Medics discovered the woman shot several times at her condo on Links Village Drive Wednesday morning. READ: Police: Caregiver, husband fatally shoot woman, 89, in Ponce InletA 911 call released of one suspect’s father to police may shed light on a possible motive. Police are not commenting on a motive just yet, but in that 911 call, the male suspect’s father says his daughter-in-law was talking about religion and the devil, and she had his son under a spell.

A 911 call made by the father of one of the suspects facing murder charges in an 89-year-old’s death led to the arrest of a 22-year-old caregiver and her husband on Wednesday.

The store in Volusia County is the only store in Florida that will close in this latest round of 37 store closures across the country.

Two people are in custody after a woman was killed in an early morning shooting in Ponce Inlet, according to police.

Volusia County leaders are urging residents not to go to hospitals if they are in need of a COVID-19 test as work is done to ensure that emergency rooms have capacity for medical emergencies.

A multi-agency investigation that began January 2021 resulted in the arrest of a man Tuesday who’s accused of committing violent sex offenses to two underage victims, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 14-year-old girl accused of shooting at Volusia County deputies was in court Wednesday morning. Nicole Jackson’s hearing lasted a few minutes and ended with her case set to continue next month. Nicole stood by her lawyer’s side in her orange Volusia County Detention Center jumpsuit, with her hands cuffed in front. Deputies said Nicole and a 12-year-old boy ran off from an Enterprise children’s home last June, broke into a house and shot at deputies. READ: Girl, 14, accused of getting in shootout with Volusia deputies to be charged as adultThe couple and other supporters who were there for Nicole said they are looking at hiring a private attorney to take her case.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 20-year-old woman died in a fiery crash late Tuesday in Volusia County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Just after 11:30 p.m., a 21-year-old man was driving a pickup truck on Kennedy Parkway when troopers said he failed to follow a curve in the road and struck a curb. The truck then struck a concrete utility pole, overturned and caught fire, troopers said. READ: Notes left on cars in Florida warn people to leave if ‘woke’The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver pulled the 20-year-old woman out of the truck before it was fully engulfed in flames. However, troopers said the woman died at the scene.

A 20-year-old Deltona woman died in a fiery crash, the FHP says.

A veteran Volusia County Schools paraprofessional recently discovered her Department of Economic Opportunity account had been hacked by an imposter.

Two new apartment complexes are coming to downtown Daytona Beach. It's something city leaders have been wanting for years.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia-Flagler Rainbow Alliance has begun accepting scholarship applications for the 2022 school year. These scholarships are available to LGBTQ+ students currently enrolled in college, trade school, or an educational internship. “We hope to be able to reach a greater number of potential applicants by making the process not only easier but less intrusive,” said Rainbow Alliance Scholarship Chair Dr. Meg Young. Read: Commissioner Nikki Fried and FDACS launch LGBTQ resources pageThe deadline to apply is April 1, 2022. Read: ‘A safe place.’ For LGBT asylum seekers, a new shot at lifeYou can apply HERE.

A man dressed as a woman to carry out two robberies was arrested along with another man in Volusia County, according to the sheriff’s office.

A ruby representation of Lewis College, representing a class in the 1950s or 1960s, isn’t exactly typical of Florida beaches, so Herzog knew he had to return it to its natural habitat.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of free at-home COVID-19 testing kits were handed out in Volusia County. READ: Hospital data becomes latest battleground in COVID-19 information warThe event was organized by Family Health Source, which has offered free drive-thru COVID-19 testing in past. Family Health Source had more than 7,200 kits to give out at three locations in Volusia County. READ: Coronavirus: CDC updates Pfizer-BioNTech booster recommendationCOVID-19 testing kits are a commodity right now. Family Health Source said it plans to have more events to give away testing kits.

The parking lots of Family Health Source in Deltona became a drive-thru for residents as they picked up free COVID-19 testing kits.

At-home COVID-19 test On Tuesday, 7,200 free at-home COVID-19 tests will be given out in Volusia County. (WFTV.com News Staff)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — On Tuesday, 7,200 free at-home COVID-19 tests will be given out in Volusia County. Family Health Source plans to give away the test kits between its DeLand, Deltona and Pierson offices beginning at 9 a.m.Officials said the giveaways will be done in a drive-thru fashion until 3 p.m. or until supplies run out. READ: Here’s where you can find COVID-19 testing in Central FloridaFamily Health Source officials said they plan to offer the kits at their Daytona Beach, DeBary and Orange City locations by the end of the week. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Testing sites across Central Florida are seeing long lines as the holidays wrap up and the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues surging throughout the state.

As cases continue to spike in Florida, a demand for COVID-19 tests is once again on the rise.

An Orange City woman was struck and killed by a car Saturday night in Volusia County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Bethune-Cookman University announced the school will require a negative COVID test for a student to check into the residence halls.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Daytona Beach man has been arrested, accused of carrying out a scheme to defraud people he knew out of their own property. The workers identified Walden as the person who paid them to remove everything from the home. According to the arrest report, one such document was hand written, contained a number of errors, and appeared to have been signed by the owner a full week after she’d died. After interviewing witnesses and gathering additional evidence, Walden was arrested and charged with fraud. READ: Mother of man shot by Orlando police says he’s an army veteran being treated for PTSDHe’s being held in the Volusia County jail on $50,000 bond.

Fallen power lines caused the closure of a Daytona Beach road through Thursday evening, according to a tweet from the South Daytona Beach Police Department.

A man accused of stealing a dead veteran’s house then selling it to someone else was arrested in Volusia County, according to the state attorney’s office.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — For more than a year, the pandemic has added to the number of children experiencing mental health challenges across Central Florida. READ: Volusia leaders look to address increase in mental health, behavioral issues in middle schoolersJulian Ortiz skipped school and ran away every day. Video: Mental health experts seeing increase in anxiety, depression during pandemicAt first, Julian Ortiz wanted nothing to do with it, but the team’s persistence paid off. “I don’t know any other group that could make that big of an impact in my life as they did. Definitely don’t know if you guys would be sitting here talking to me if it wasn’t there,” he said.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office Pay, stress and heavy scrutiny have law enforcement agencies across the country struggling to find applicants. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is working to change that. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Pay, stress and heavy scrutiny have law enforcement agencies across the country struggling to find applicants. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is working to change that. READ: Volusia Sheriff’s Office K-9s shot in the line of duty awarded Purple Hearts“When you go to the sheriff’s academy you’re not paying anything,” he said.

An employee of Heritage Middle School was arrested Wednesday morning after Volusia County deputies said she met with a 14-year-old student and smoked marijuana with him.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A staff member at Heritage Middle School in Deltona was arrested Wednesday, accused of smoking marijuana with a student she worked with at the school. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the 14-year-old boy’s parents first noticed he was gone from their home around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Heritage Middle employee arrested for early-morning meet-up with student (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)The sheriff’s office identified Williams as an office assistant who works with sixth graders at Heritage Middle School. READ: Deputies: Driver who killed 2 children, struck 4 others in hit-and-run crash arrestedShe was booked into Volusia County Jail and later released on $3,000 bond. A staff member at Heritage Middle School in Deltona was arrested overnight after she met with a 14-year-old student around 1:30 a.m. and smoked some marijuana with him before his parents discovered he was missing.

A 70-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash in Volusia County on Tuesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that left a Merritt Island man dead Tuesday. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<According to FHP, a 41-year-old Deltona man was traveling northbound in a sedan on State Road 415 near the intersection with State Road 44 just before 4 p.m. when he lost control of the car. Troopers say the motorcycle rider, identified only as a 70-year-old man from Merritt Island, died at the scene. READ: “I’m going with a gun’: Father arrested for threatening to shoot up Central Florida schoolAccording to FHP, he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. READ: Sheriff: Fugitive arrested during traffic stop had ‘machine gun’Troopers say the crash is still under investigation.

The percent positivity rate through Dec. 25 was 11.77%. Hospitalizations and deaths remain low.

A court hearing is set to take place Tuesday afternoon for the man accused of fatally shooting a Daytona Beach police officer back in June.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help piecing together a fatal motorcycle crash that happened Friday night. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<According to the sheriff’s office, 33-year-old Damien Valeros was riding a Yamaha motorcycle at the intersection of Doyle Rd. and Providence Blvd. Our deputies are hoping someone saw what happened during a traffic crash Friday night at Doyle Road and Providence Blvd. READ: Osceola sheriff’s deputies ask public’s help to locate missing womanPotential witnesses can also submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida by calling 1-888-277-8477.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A major crash caused northbound I-95 to shut down Sunday afternoon in Volusia County. 2 p.m. update:A single lane has reopened in the area and drivers are starting to move past the crash site. Original report:A serious crash has northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Volusia County shut down Sunday afternoon. All northbound lanes of the interstate are closed as first responders and a Life Flight helicopter respond to the scene. READ: Troopers investigate deadly motorcycle crash in Orange CountyChannel 9 will continue to monitor this crash and have continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Some children in Volusia County got an early Christmas surprise Friday, from the big man himself. READ: What time does Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s, Target and others close on Christmas Eve? Santa and Mrs. Claus rappelled down the side of Halifax Hospital’s pediatric wing. Here’s how to find outThe fire department helps with this event every year, to bring the children some Christmas joy. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are trying to figure out how to get to Mars for not half the cost, or even a quarter, but for less than one-fifth the cost. The team is trying to develop satellites that will go to Mars for 16% of the cost of the ones NASA usually deploys. READ: NASA names crew for SpaceX Crew-6 MissionTo make a multi-million-dollar satellite for a fifth of the cost, you need to save in other areas. Students are using commercially available products and testing them to make sure they can handle the radiation that the satellites will encounter on their mission to Mars. WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches batch of Starlink satellites aboard Falcon 9 rocketThe low cost also provides another advantage: by producing satellites at a fifth of the cost, you can send five times as many.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County school district is pulling and reviewing a video it showed to students after some parents complained it violated the state’s ban on critical race theory. The state says that includes any material that teaches racism as a systemic issue upholding white supremacy rather than a product of prejudice. READ: Central Florida schools have no plans to divert from state standards to teach critical race theoryAn 11-second statement in the video is what some parents said violates the state’s ban on teaching critical race theory. Elizabeth Albert with the teachers union told Channel 9 that critical race theory is not taught in Volusia County classrooms. DeSantis announces new legislation to combat ‘corporate wokeness’The district has pulled the video and is reviewing it.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Port Orange City Council member and local musician Reed Foley says he’s always had a soft spot for children. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Foley recently raised $15,000 in just two weeks to help Toys for Tots bring Christmas Joy to thousands of local children who would otherwise be left in need. Foley and his band played shows to raise money for Toys for Tots. I love you all ❤️ Posted by Reed Foley on Sunday, December 5, 2021The money went towards gifts for Toys for Tots and the 611 kids the Cusack Center serves. Toys for Tots officials say they tend to struggle to find gifts for that particular age group each year.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sunday morning will be a warm day again with temperatures expected to reach the low to mid-80s. Read: Deputies: 2 injured in shooting at Orange County apartment complexOn Tuesday, an area of low pressure will move across the state. This will amplify our rain and storm chances. Read: Saturday morning fire destroys Volusia County community center, officials sayFollowing this storm, we’ll have a major cool-down bringing winter temps back! We’ll have morning temps back in the 40s.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that happened on Interstate 95. The crash happened 3:05 a.m. on Saturday in Volusia County. According to troopers, a 35-year-old Orlando man was heading southbound on I-95, and for an unknown reason became stuck in the center median. Troopers said the man exited his vehicle and attempted to wave down a passing motorist for assistance. Read: Warm and muggy Saturday, with isolated showers possibleThe man was hit by a Jeep SUV also traveling southbound on I-95, troopers said.

Lagrotta, 61, has been tied to the crimes by DNA and a palm print left at a 1988 crime scene. The Volusia County cases took place between 1992 and 1998. Lagrotta is accused of attacking several victims as they slept in their Volusia County homes. The FBI ran the palm print through its Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, or AFIS. Tips can also be provided to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office at 386-248-1777 or ColdCaseUnitTips@vcso.us.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An Edgewater man has been charged with animal cruelty after deputies say he killed a pet ball python by covering it in an acidic solution and leaving it to die in its tank. READ: Volusia County nursing assistant accused of sexually abusing patient with dementiaThe woman said she was able to take two kittens from the home with her, but not her pet python. Grimaldi was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of felony cruelty to animals. ENTERPRISE MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY IN POISONING DEATH OF PET BALL PYTHON An Enterprise man is charged with... Posted by Volusia Sheriff's Office on Thursday, December 16, 2021READ: President Biden awards Oviedo native Sgt. Alwyn Cashe with Medal of HonorHe’s being held in the Volusia County jail on $2,500 bond.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Police say they’ve identified the suspect in a series of rape cases dating back to 1988. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Police say 61-year-old Leslie Lagrotta “terrorized” the Central Florida community between 1988 and 1998. According to police, Lagrotta was arrested in Daytona Beach in 2010 and submitted a DNA sample at the time. READ: Volusia deputies arrest suspect in hit & run that left a man dead, pregnant woman seriously injuredAfter offering his DNA to investigators, police say Lagrotta cleared out his bank account and broke off contact with his family. Leslie Lagrotta pic Serial rape suspect Leslie LagrottaClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County deputies say they’ve identified and arrested the man responsible for a hit and run crash that left one man dead and his pregnant partner seriously injured. Back at the crash scene, investigators searched the Kia and also found a “large” amount of drug paraphernalia including what appeared to be cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Here’s whyAccording to the sheriff’s office, Roberson died from his injuries several days later on December 1. He was also charged with dealing in stolen property and fraudulently pawning items, stemming from two active warrants out of Volusia County. James is being held in the Volusia County jail on no bond.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Daytona Beach is working with the state to explore whether it can take water from the toilet to the tap. Smith said the information gleaned from the Daytona Beach study could help the state establish standards for the process. READ: Publix heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett dead at 65“This facility was able to meet the primary and secondary drinking water standards,” he said. Next, the treated water goes through reverse osmosis before it is tested to see if it meets drinking water standards. During the process, Smith said, the water never leaves the facility or enters the city’s drinking supply.

Seminole County Public Schools get ready for students to return Seminole County public schools are set to welcome back more than 4500 students to the classroom next week as many opt for face-to-face learning. (WFTV)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Black leaders in Volusia County want to work with the school district to tackle the issues students face in one of the county’s poorest neighborhoods. READ: Volusia County school staff badges cause handful of false alarm lockdownsThat’s why the NAACP and the Volusia County African American Leadership Council are hosting the town hall with the school district to discuss those challenges and possible solutions. READ: Amazon Web Services outage disrupts dozens of sitesNAACP leaders said if things go well at Tuesday’s town hall, they plan to do more similar events. The organization said it also plans to visit Orange County Public Schools to learn about its programs and see what may work in Volusia County.

Read: Armed man shot and killed by officer at Florida Tech was student, police sayOfficials said the man, 21, showed up to the hospital with a family member. Troopers said the victim told them he was driving westbound on I-4 when someone in another car fired shots at his Toyota RAV4. The victim said that after he was shot, he drove home and was taken to the hospital by his mother. Read: Michigan school shooting: Ethan Crumbley’s parents plead not guilty to involuntary manslaughterFHP told WFTV that troopers have secured the man’s white Toyota, with three visible bullet holes. Read: Pedestrian killed, driver sought in Orange County crashWatch Eyewitness News and stay with WFTV.com for updates on this developing story.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Volusia County man has been charged with stalking after another jogger came forward, saying he followed her in DeBary in October, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said Jonathan Buchanan was arrested Tuesday on a criminal traffic violation and violation of probation. Investigators said they arrested him after a 35-year-old woman told deputies that a man followed her in a car Monday while she was jogging in DeBary. READ: Deputies: Man who tried to kidnap girl in 2017 might be stalking women in Volusia CountySee video of his initial arrest below:Deputies said the second jogger came forward after seeing a Facebook post on Buchanan’s arrest. Buchanan, who was already in custody following his arrest Tuesday, is now also being charged with simple stalking and an additional violation of probation.

Volusia County deputies say man who attempted to kidnap girl in 2017 may be stalking womenDeBARY, Fla. — A man who previously tried to kidnap a girl might be stalking women in DeBary, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday. Deputies said Jonathan Buchanan was arrested Tuesday on a criminal traffic violation and violation of probation. READ: Florida man charged with murder after missing woman’s body parts recovered from bayInvestigators said they arrested him after a 35-year-old woman told deputies that a man followed her in a car Monday while she was jogging in DeBary. He was previously arrested in 2017 after he tried to kidnap a 16-year-old girl while she was walking to her bus stop in Ponce Inlet, deputies said. Anyone with information is asked to email Volusia County Sgt.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Division is organizing a winter break camp for local kids between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Are you looking for an affordable, safe and fun winter break camp option for your kids? Volusia County’s Parks,... Posted by County of Volusia on Monday, November 29, 2021The camp will take place at Gemini Springs Park in DeBaryKids will have the opportunity to enjoy supervised activities, indoor and outdoor games, field trips, and arts and crafts. READ: 9 things to know about KrampusnachtThe field trips include visits to the Freedom Playground and the Central Florida Zoo. For more information, call Volusia County Recreation Superintendent Matt Coleman at (386) 736-5953.

Several major Flagler County roads were the scene of a high-speed pursuit of a man wanted on a charge of aggravated battery on a cop.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two people were hurt in a head-on crash along I-95 in Volusia County early Thursday, the Florida Highway Patrol said. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Troopers told Eyewitness News the collision happened because a man was driving the wrong way along the interstate. That northbound driver, a 70-year-old woman from Vero Beach, was critically hurt in the crash, according to troopers. ➡️https://t.co/BsjuJHhRkt pic.twitter.com/1EITcMWvth — FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) November 15, 2021The wrong-way driver suffered serious injuries. Troopers said it is “unknown” as to why the man was driving the wrong way and the crash remains under investigation.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Orange City police released bodycam video of the tense moments after a Volusia County library assistant was shot and killed during a road rage incident Saturday. In the video, you can see officers ordering Andrew Derr to the ground at gunpoint before detaining him. READ: Police release video of fatal shooting at Orange County office complexThe motorcyclist, identified as 40-year-old Andrew Derr, was not injured in the crash, according to police. Police say Morales pointed her gun at Derr and the witnesses, at which point Derr drew his own handgun and shot her multiple times. Police say Derr, who holds a valid Florida concealed weapons permit, has cooperated fully with their investigation, which is ongoing.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Orange City police are investigating after a Volusia County library assistant was shot and killed during a road rage incident, police said. Officers said they responded to a hit-and-run crash in the 1400 block of North Volusia Avenue just before 5:15 p.m. Saturday. Police said a blue Kia hit a motorcycle and fled the scene. READ: Volusia library assistant ‘died tragically’, death investigation ongoing, officials sayThe driver continued east on East Wisconsin before stopping at 1052 East Wisconsin. READ: Bicyclist dies after colliding with truck in Orange County, troopers sayAnyone with information is asked to call Orange City detective Kenneth Jones at 386-775-9999.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two Volusia County public libraries are closing temporarily this week after one of their employees died this weekend. Officials in Volusia County said the DeLand Regional Library was closed Sunday and will remain closed Monday after the death of library assistant Sara Morales. WATCH: Multiple fatalities confirmed after SUV plows into Wisconsin holiday parade, police sayOfficials said Morales “died tragically” on Sunday but did not give a cause of her death. WATCH: Man killed and child injured by bullet in Orlando shooting, police sayThe Orange City Police Department is investigation Morales’ death. The Pierson Public Library will also be closed Monday through Wednesday to help Morales co-workers cope with her tragic death.

Troopers said the crash happened Saturday morning on Kepler Road near the intersection of Periwinkle Avenue. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<According to troopers, around 7:20 a.m. a driver traveling north on Kepler Road crossed the centerline and hit and on-coming car head-on. The driver of the oncoming car, a 47-year-old DeLand woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Read: Investigation underway after 70-year-old woman killed crossing street, troopers sayThe driver and passenger of the car troopers said caused the crash, both 26 years old, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Read: Driver of reported stolen car dies after rear-end crash, troopers sayThe crash remains under investigation.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Port Orange man was arrested Thursday, accused of falsely impersonating an officer after an off-duty Volusia County Sergeant saw him attempt a traffic stop. READ: Naked man accused of running over woman, beating her on side of Brevard County highwaySheriff's deputies have arrested a Port Orange man on charges that he falsely impersonated a police officer after an off-duty VSO sergeant spotted him attempting a traffic stop. Investigators identified the owner of the truck as 54-year-old Joseph Mercier. When confronted about the lights, Mercier told deputies he didn’t know why he put them on the truck and denied ever having tried to pull anyone over. He’s being held in the Volusia County Jail on a $21,000 bond.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two Volusia County K-9s that were shot during the search for an armed carjacking suspect were awarded Purple Hearts by Sheriff Mike Chitwood Wednesday. Hours later, K-9 Endo was shot in the paw and the chin and rushed to another vet clinic by his handler, Deputy Brett Whitson. “We got medical bills, we got training - you tell us what you want.”According to the sheriff’s office, the group has donated more than $25,000 since September for their K-9 unit’s medical bills, first aid kits, and K-9 medic training for each Volusia Sheriff’s Office K-9 handler. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Endo was shot in the neck in 2016 while responding to a domestic disturbance with Deputy Whitson. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Volusia Sheriff’s Office K-9s shot in the line of duty awarded Purple Hearts Two Volusia County K-9s that were shot during the search for an armed carjacking suspect were awarded Purple Hearts by Sheriff Mike Chitwood Wednesday.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two Volusia County Sheriff’s Office K-9s will receive Purple Hearts on Wednesday. K-9s Ax and Endo were both injured by gunshots during the search for an armed carjacking suspect in Deltona in September. The Purple Hearts will be awarded around 11 a.m. at the Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center in Daytona Beach. READ: Volusia County Sheriff K-9s recovering after being shot by carjacking suspect, deputies sayDeputies said in addition to the Purple Heart ceremony, a K-9 training course sponsored by Irondog K9 International, which paid for Ax’s and Endo’s medical care, is also presenting them with a special award Wednesday. READ: Police investigating after woman injured in possible shootingVCSO K-9 Ax & EndoClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Volusia County schools badge A badge Volusia County school staff can use to alert everyone on campus to a dangerous situation has led to some false alarms. (Volusia County Schools)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A badge Volusia County school staff can use to alert everyone on campus to a dangerous situation has led to some false alarms. The district said there’s been a handful of times it’s been pressed too many times by mistake and triggered a lockdown. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<The district said last week a staff member at University High School hit a crisis alert button badge causing the school to briefly go into lockdown. READ: Lawsuit claims Volusia County Schools discriminates against students with autismShe said the devices went out to all 8,000 district employees as mandated by the state legislature to establish a panic alarm on campuses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nationwide, overdose deaths are up 30% in the last year. Seminole County has already surpassed the total number of overdose deaths from 2020. READ: Woman dies after being hit by several vehicles on State Road 436Last year, the sheriff’s office reported 103 overdose deaths. In Orange County, there have been 224 overdose deaths this year compared to 202 the same time last year. READ: Sanford police release 911 calls after Seminole County school employee shotVolusia County said it’s not seeing the same numbers, but the majority of the overdose deaths in all three counties are linked to dangerous fentanyl.