Hit-and-run suspect captured after hours-long manhunt through swamp in Palm City

PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12) — A hit-and-run suspect is in custody after an exhaustive, hours-long manhunt through a large swamp along the Martin-St. Lucie County line, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect fled from the scene of a hit-and-run crash in Palm City Wednesday and attempted to evade law enforcement by hiding in the swamp.

Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives, along with officers from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Port St. Lucie Police Department, worked together for more than two hours to locate and apprehend the suspect, who was identified as Likenson Daceus, 39.

The search involved MCSO K-9s, aviation and drone units, as well as Port St. Lucie police’s drone unit.

See also: One red-light camera ticket led to suspended license, criminal citation for PBC man

Authorities said officers spent more than two hours navigating water and difficult terrain while the suspect continued trying to avoid capture.

The coordinated multi-agency search ultimately ended with the suspect being taken into custody.

The sheriff’s office said more information about the suspect and the hit-and-run investigation will be released as it becomes available.