2 Flagler Deputies Hurt In Chase, Crash

A pursuit of a car whose driver was believed to be fleeing a home-invasion robbery early Tuesday morning ended in a crash when, state troopers said, the driver made a U-turn and intentionally struck two Flagler County deputies' cruisers.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol report, John Donovan, 22, of Palm Coast, was speeding south on Florida Park Drive about 2:25 a.m., followed by two Flagler sheriff's office units. Deputies said that they followed Donovan's 1996 Cadillac for seven miles at speeds up to 120 mph.

When Donovan came to a construction road block, FHP investigators said he turned around and struck the patrol cars of Deputies Christopher Wray and Carmine Celico.

Troopers said both deputies suffered minor injuries and were transported to Florida Hospital Flagler, where they were treated and released.

Donovan also suffered a minor injury, but did not require hospitalization. He was arrested and charged by the Florida Highway Patrol with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

Donovan was also charged by Flagler County authorities with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and numerous traffic offenses.

"This man was clearly aiming to seriously hurt if not kill these deputies," Sheriff Donald W. Fleming said. "He showed a total disregard for his safety, the safety of the community and our residents."

Donovan was booked into the Flagler County jail and held on $101,000 bond.