BRISTOL, Fla. (WFLA) — A Georgia man accused of kidnapping of his 2-month-old youngster was arrested Sunday after troopers mentioned they caught him passing via Florida with the toddler in his automobile.
It was round 4 p.m. Sunday when the Florida Freeway Patrol (FHP) mentioned troopers discovered kidnapping suspect, Maurtez Rashaad Edwards, 23, was touring alongside U.S. 319 in Wakulla County.
Authorities noticed Edwards about half-hour later as he was touring westbound on SR 20 and SR 267 in Leon County, heading towards Liberty County.
A trooper and Liberty County deputies tried to get Edwards to drag over, however mentioned he refused to conform and sped off, “initiating a harmful pursuit.”
Officers mentioned Edwards was driving “erratically,” reaching speeds of as much as 92 miles per hour and brake-checking officers, all whereas his 2-month-old youngster was within the again seat.
The pursuit continued into Gadsden County, the place authorities mentioned a trooper was capable of “efficiently and safely” execute a PIT maneuver.
The FHP mentioned Edwards tried to flee from the car however was stopped by Liberty County deputies. Edwards then grabbed an AR-15 rifle hidden in his automobile and positioned the barrel beneath his chin, in keeping with officers.
Liberty County deputies have been capable of disarm Edwards after a quick battle. Troopers mentioned Edwards then took off operating into the woods, abandoning his child within the car.
Nevertheless, troopers and deputies rapidly caught up with him and positioned him beneath arrest, in keeping with the FHP.
Authorities mentioned the kidnapped toddler was safely secured in a automobile seat with no indicators of damage. The two-month-old youngster was reunited along with his mom and grandmother at a hospital in Gadsden County.
Edwards was booked into the Liberty County Jail on fees of fleeing and eluding, aggravated assault on an officer, aggravated battery on an officer, cruelty towards a baby, kidnapping a baby beneath 13, and displaying a firearm throughout fee of a felony.
“This incident highlights how necessary it’s for the motoring public to remain alert to their environment and help regulation enforcement,” mentioned Gary Howze, Colonel of the Florida Freeway Patrol. “It demonstrates how Florida regulation enforcement work collectively as useful resource multipliers in our dedication to serving to these in hurt’s approach, pursuing justice and holding criminals accountable.”
