Flying Deputies Foil Felon’s Flee Attempt – Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
CCSO
A convicted felon on probation fled from a traffic stop and attempted to escape deputies through a drainage pipe.
On Friday, November 22, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a homeowner who reported he had just chased a thief out of his garage. The suspect had loaded a chainsaw, weed eater, and leaf blower belonging to the victim into a light gray Toyota Tundra. As the owner chased after the suspect, he was able to note the license plate number, which he relayed to CCSO. He also provided a description of the thief, describing him as dark-skinned with a medium build and bald head.
A deputy in the area observed the vehicle and a driver matching the description travelling on Midway Blvd. in Port Charlotte. When he activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle, the driver, identified as Thomas Maldonado (10/02/1972), immediately fled on foot. Deputies swarmed the area, to include the CCSO Aviation Unit, and searched for the suspect.
“This individual was brazen enough to commit these crimes in broad daylight with the homeowner present. He clearly has no regard for the law, and his actions show that he belongs behind bars. As we enter the holiday season, it is a time to be thankful for what we have – and we should not have to look over our shoulder to make sure what we have is still there and not taken by someone who did not earn it.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
After a short time, the CCSO Aviation Unit spotted Maldonado laying between a wooded area and a small waterway. The pilot directed deputies to the exact location, but Maldonado had fled again upon noticing the helicopter. He attempted to evade deputies by entering a drainage culvert that came out onto Kings Highway. As he exited the other side, more deputies were already positioned to take him into custody.
Maldonado was arrested and charged with:
- Burglary of an occupied dwelling (Felony)
- Grand theft more than $300 but less than $5,000 (Felony)
- Fleeing or attempting to elude (Felony)
- Resisting officer without violence
- Knowingly driving while license revoked
- Violation of probation
In addition to those charges, Maldonado was served with a warrant out of DeSoto County for an additional charge of violation of probation. He remains at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.
The below video is footage from CCSO Aviation of the moment Maldonado is located/arrested.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.