A Florida man was arrested after authorities say he struck a fire truck that was responding to an emergency crash scene before fleeing, leading deputies on a vehicle pursuit that ended with a foot chase and arrest.
According to investigators, firefighters were assisting at the scene of a rollover crash involving a person trapped beneath a vehicle on International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach when the suspect’s vehicle collided with a fire truck parked at the scene with emergency crews present.
Instead of remaining at the scene, Volusia Sheriff’s Office stated the driver fled, prompting deputies to begin searching for the vehicle. Authorities later located the car and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly refused to pull over, leading deputies on a pursuit.
Pursuit Ends After Crash
Investigators said the suspect continued driving before the pursuit ended after the vehicle struck a culvert and a utility pole near Amelia Avenue.
The driver then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot into a nearby Publix shopping plaza. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper ultimately took the suspect into custody after the foot chase.
Authorities also said the driver briefly stopped during the pursuit to allow two passengers to exit the vehicle. Investigators have not announced any charges against the passengers.
Multiple Charges Filed
Authorities identified the suspect as 27-year-old Jamal Anthony Riascos of DeLand.
Following his arrest, Riascos was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, and resisting an officer without violence. Additional traffic-related charges were also listed by investigators.
The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors will determine whether any additional charges are warranted.
Emergency Response Interrupted
The collision occurred while firefighters were responding to an unrelated rollover crash involving a person trapped beneath a vehicle, highlighting the hazards emergency crews face while working along busy roadways.
Authorities said the firefighters involved in the original emergency response were not injured. The suspect was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being booked into jail. Officials have not reported any additional injuries related to the collision or the subsequent pursuit.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the collision with the fire truck and the events that followed during the pursuit.
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