Santa Rosa Beach, Fla— A trio of juveniles are behind bars following an attempted car burglary that ended with shots fired, two stolen cars, and a pursuit in the south end of Walton County.
3:44am – Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to pull over a white four-door sedan leaving Alamo Road without lights on. The vehicle is confirmed stolen out of Okaloosa County. Vehicle fled and deputy returns to the neighborhood to survey the area.
3:57am –Deputies locate suspect vehicle near Veterans Road and attempt traffic stop. The suspect vehicle flees a second time and deputies stop further pursuit.
4:01am –Deputy waits for the suspect vehicle heading eastbound on Highway 98 and shines spotlight to confirm suspect vehicle. Deputy pursues eastbound to Inlet Beach where suspect vehicle turns around changing direction of travel to westbound Highway 98.
4:08am – Deputy surveying Alamo Road confirms suspects were involved in an attempted car burglary where they fired shots at a neighbor who confronted them.
4:13am –Deputies locate suspect vehicle crashed into wood line at the intersection of MC Davis Boulevard. All three suspects had fled on foot. Incident command is initiated. Perimeter is established.
6:21am –WCSO receives multiple calls from residents in Peach Creek subdivision stating three subjects are pulling on door handles trying to burglarize vehicles.
6:23am –WCSO confirms subjects fleeing subdivision in stolen white Jeep Wrangler from Old Ferry Bay Road and are heading westbound on Highway 98.
6:34am –Pit maneuver is initiated and all suspects are put into custody.
Two handguns were located in the four-door Honda sedan. WCSO K9s are currently searching the area of all crime scenes for additional weapons and evidence.
Antonio Lee III, 17, Kah’tyra Brown, 17, and Terrance Merritt, 15, are all charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, multiple counts of grand theft auto and vehicle burglary, burglary of an occupied dwelling unarmed, and criminal mischief more than $1000. Additionally, Lee is charged with two counts of fleeing and eluding a LEO at high speeds. He also had an outstanding warrant for grand theft auto out of Walton County.
All three juveniles are also suspected in numerous other burglaries spanning the past several months. All cars involved were left unsecured. Additional charges will be forthcoming.
