Volusia County sheriff sues promoters of chaotic Daytona Beach spring break events
Read full article: Volusia County sheriff sues promoters of chaotic Daytona Beach spring break eventsThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is suing the promoters of several unpermitted spring break events in Daytona Beach in March, which led to dozens of arrests and several shootings.
Volusia deputy’s bodycam video shows the moment he was shot
Read full article: Volusia deputy’s bodycam video shows the moment he was shotNewly-released body-worn camera video shows the moment a Volusia County deputy was shot during a call to a Deltona home in March. Luis Diaz Polanco is facing charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer for the March 2 shooting.
2 teens arrested in Deltona Christmas Day shooting death of 17-year-old
Read full article: 2 teens arrested in Deltona Christmas Day shooting death of 17-year-oldAccording to the sheriff’s office, the teens knew the victim through online gaming and traveled from the Tampa area to Deltona to trade an AR-style rifle — one that was later determined to be stolen.
Woman run over while sunbathing in Volusia County beach driving lane
Read full article: Woman run over while sunbathing in Volusia County beach driving laneA woman is still recovering after being run over by a pickup truck while sunbathing in a designated driving lane on a Volusia County beach, authorities said.
Volusia County father accused of shaking infant, causing severe brain injuries
Read full article: Volusia County father accused of shaking infant, causing severe brain injuriesA Volusia County father is facing serious charges after investigators say he shook his 7-month-old son, causing severe brain injuries that required emergency surgery.
Some confession transcript pages to stay sealed for accused Volusia County deputy shooter
Read full article: Some confession transcript pages to stay sealed for accused Volusia County deputy shooterLuis Diaz Polanco, 31, faces two counts of attempted murder after investigators say he opened fire on Deputy Jose Rivera during a call at a Deltona home on Candler Drive in March.
Teen arrested for swinging, kicking baby alligator in Volusia County, report states
Read full article: Teen arrested for swinging, kicking baby alligator in Volusia County, report statesA 14-year-old boy is facing a felony charge after Volusia County deputies say he was seen swinging a baby alligator by its tail and kicking it at a Stetson University facility.
Daytona Beach cracks down after chaotic Spring Break weekend
Read full article: Daytona Beach cracks down after chaotic Spring Break weekendDaytona Beach authorities implemented a special event zone and a temporary youth curfew after a chaotic spring break weekend marked by unpermitted events, violence, and 133 arrests.
Daytona Beach passes emergency youth curfew ordinance after chaotic spring break weekend
Read full article: Daytona Beach passes emergency youth curfew ordinance after chaotic spring break weekendDaytona Beach city leaders enacted an emergency ordinance imposing a youth curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for a week following a chaotic spring break weekend marked by unsanctioned events and violence, including 133 arrests and four shootings. Police Chief Jakari Young and other officials emphasized the need for better communication and consideration of the city's future as a spring break destination, with discussions of forming a task force to address these concerns.
After weekend chaos in Daytona Beach, Volusia County sheriff urges event promoter to stop
Read full article: After weekend chaos in Daytona Beach, Volusia County sheriff urges event promoter to stopThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is looking at monetarily punishing one of the promoters of recent unsanctioned spring break events in Daytona Beach, including one this past weekend, especially if she does not stop promoting future events.
Here’s what happens to kids arrested for making threats at school
Read full article: Here’s what happens to kids arrested for making threats at schoolOver a weeklong period in early March, Volusia County authorities arrested at least five juveniles, ages 10 to 15, on suspicion of making threats to shoot, kill, or blow up other students.
Union rushes to defend Daytona Beach officer involved in controversial arrest
Read full article: Union rushes to defend Daytona Beach officer involved in controversial arrestAfter Daytona Beach's mayor took to social media to address a "troubling" arrest, a local police union has come out in defense of the officer involved.
City’s handling of chaotic Daytona Beach weekend questioned amid pop-up event, shootings
Read full article: City’s handling of chaotic Daytona Beach weekend questioned amid pop-up event, shootingsThe first weekend of spring break in Daytona Beach devolved into chaos, local officials said, after a pop-up event on the beach drew large, unsanctioned crowds and multiple shootings in the city.
‘King of slumlords:’ Major New Smyrna Beach drug house busted by sheriff
Read full article: ‘King of slumlords:’ Major New Smyrna Beach drug house busted by sheriffOver 20 people were taken into custody after a massive raid on a drug home in Volusia County early Thursday morning, according to the sheriff.
Dad accused of slaughtering 5-week-old with spanking, Volusia sheriff says
Read full article: Dad accused of slaughtering 5-week-old with spanking, Volusia sheriff saysA Jacksonville man was arrested this week, well over a year after his 5-week-old daughter was brought to the hospital with fatal injuries, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
5-year-old boy’s torture lands Central Florida mom in prison for decades, sheriff says
Read full article: 5-year-old boy’s torture lands Central Florida mom in prison for decades, sheriff saysAfter her son’s abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, one Central Florida mother is now set to spend decades in prison, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousands
Read full article: ‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousandsA Georgia woman was booked in Volusia County this week after a local was scammed out of $79,000, according to Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Bodycam takes direct hit as Volusia deputy is shot twice during battery investigation, sheriff says
Read full article: Bodycam takes direct hit as Volusia deputy is shot twice during battery investigation, sheriff saysA deputy is conscious and alert after being shot twice on Monday evening, and his department-issued body camera may have helped save his life, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
85-year-old scammed out of thousands in Uber driver scheme, Volusia sheriff says
Read full article: 85-year-old scammed out of thousands in Uber driver scheme, Volusia sheriff saysTwo men were arrested this week after an elderly man was scammed out of thousands of dollars, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
‘The game is over:’ 40 illegal gambling operations taken down in ‘first-of-its-kind’ sting in Central Florida
Read full article: ‘The game is over:’ 40 illegal gambling operations taken down in ‘first-of-its-kind’ sting in Central FloridaFlorida Attorney General James Uthmeier will be joined by several Central Florida sheriffs at a news conference in Titusville.
Sheriff offers reward for info after 5-year-old run over by e-bike on Volusia beach
Read full article: Sheriff offers reward for info after 5-year-old run over by e-bike on Volusia beachVolusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood says he’s offering a $1,000 reward for the identity of two people who were riding an e-bike that struck a 5-year-old boy over the weekend.
No bond for ex-Daytona Beach cop accused of drug trafficking
Read full article: No bond for ex-Daytona Beach cop accused of drug traffickingA former Daytona Beach police officer who was arrested last month will remain in jail while awaiting trial on drug charges. Amber Williamson is accused of trafficking fentanyl and meth.
Volusia County 12-year-old accused of writing ‘detailed manifesto’ to carry out school shooting due to bullying
Read full article: Volusia County 12-year-old accused of writing ‘detailed manifesto’ to carry out school shooting due to bullyingA 12-year-old was arrested in Volusia County on allegations of writing and posting a “detailed manifesto” about a mass shooting at a school.
‘Absurd:’ Controversy erupts after mayor’s wife gets pulled over in Daytona Beach
Read full article: ‘Absurd:’ Controversy erupts after mayor’s wife gets pulled over in Daytona BeachAfter Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Hendry raised “concerns” following his wife being pulled over this week, the police chief took to social media to defend his department.
‘Let me share the truth:’ Volusia sheriff warns about rumor of student with gun
Read full article: ‘Let me share the truth:’ Volusia sheriff warns about rumor of student with gunIn a release, Sheriff Chitwood said that a citizen had come to the school board meeting to discuss a rumor about a gun-toting elementary schooler.
Former Daytona Beach officer arrested again, faces more drugs charges, sheriff says
Read full article: Former Daytona Beach officer arrested again, faces more drugs charges, sheriff saysA former Daytona Beach police officer who was arrested last week and released by a judge is back behind bars after being approached with new warrants, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Former Daytona Beach police officer accused of dealing drugs, sheriff says
Read full article: Former Daytona Beach police officer accused of dealing drugs, sheriff saysVolusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood joins deputies for the arrest of two people accused of dealing drugs because one of them used to be a Daytona Beach police officer.
‘You will die, pig:’ Man accused of threatening to kill Florida Gov. DeSantis, Sheriff Chitwood
Read full article: ‘You will die, pig:’ Man accused of threatening to kill Florida Gov. DeSantis, Sheriff ChitwoodA Central Florida man was arrested this week after detectives said he issued a death threat aimed at Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Volusia County leader pushes for domestic violence offender registry
Read full article: Volusia County leader pushes for domestic violence offender registryThe idea is that anyone convicted of domestic violence would have to register with the database, similar to a sex offender registry. Then, people could visit the database website to check if someone has a history of domestic violence.
Volusia County sheriff urges shoppers to stay alert as fraud spikes during holiday season
Read full article: Volusia County sheriff urges shoppers to stay alert as fraud spikes during holiday seasonThe Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says it has seen a noticeable uptick in fraud reports this week, prompting a public warning from Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “This time of year, we see them all year; some are very mundane, some are very elaborate, but in the last 72 hours, I got a phone call from both of my credit card companies questioning a purchase,” Chitwood said.
Suspect faces judge after students, families lose out on $770K in Volusia County
Read full article: Suspect faces judge after students, families lose out on $770K in Volusia CountyA Volusia County man accused of defrauding more than 100 students out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a European trip that never materialized faced a judge Thursday, who ordered him held on $4 million bond.
‘Scumbag:’ Volusia sheriff confronts suspect accused of defrauding over 100 students of overseas trip
Read full article: ‘Scumbag:’ Volusia sheriff confronts suspect accused of defrauding over 100 students of overseas tripThe man accused of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from more than 100 high school students for a European trip that never happened was met face-to-face Thursday by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and by the students who say they were scammed.
Family of Florida officer slain at Circle K sues chain for $20M
Read full article: Family of Florida officer slain at Circle K sues chain for $20MThe family of an Edgewater police officer who investigators say was fatally shot by a gas station clerk at a Circle K has named the chain in a $20-million wrongful-death lawsuit, according to their legal team.
‘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.