FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Palm Coast man was taken into custody after fleeing deputies twice and breaking out of a patrol car, officials said.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said George Garland Wood, 31, was in an argument in the parking lot of a Circle K around 9:27 p.m. Tuesday. After ignoring orders to talk to a deputy, Wood allegedly dove into a Chevy van and attempted to flee and steer the van from the passenger side until he slammed into a pole, nearly striking a deputy.
An officer deployed a Taser on Wood and pulled him from the van, deputies said. Wood continuing to resist arrest, but was handcuffed and put into the back of a sheriff's patrol car.
Shortly after, a deputy reported seeing Wood running from the car, realizing he had broken the cage inside the patrol vehicle -- a 2012 Chevrolet Caprice -- and opened the door to escape in the woods nearby.
After a perimeter was established and a Volusia County Sheriff's Office helicopter was deployed, Wood found found in a tree. He was then taken into custody.
Deputies said a loaded firearm was found in the back of Wood's van.
Wood was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aiding escape, felony criminal mischief, being a fugitive from justice, resisting arrest without violence and driving with a suspended license. He is being held without bail.
Deputies said the Sheriff's Office is inspecting the remaining seven Caprices in service and will take corrective action if needed.