Last Friday, Levon Coakley, a 36-year-old man from Tampa, led Florida deputies on a dangerous chase through multiple counties after being suspected in a Lake County shooting. This manhunt came to a close with a dramatic capture following a car crash and a foot pursuit into the woods, according to multiple reports.
As reported by WFTV, Coakley is now facing an array of charges, which include but are not limited to fleeing and eluding with disregard for safety, resisting arrest without violence, and reckless driving damage to people or property. The pursuit involved Coakley driving into oncoming traffic on Interstate 95, which culminated in his vehicle rolling over, catching fire, and him eventually fleeing on foot into a wooded area in Palm Coast’s F-Section after deputies deployed stop sticks that deflated his tires.
According to the video released by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, the new footage clearly depicts the moments leading to Coakley's arrest. The suspect can be seen crawling towards a deputy's cruiser before being handcuffed. ClickOrlando's coverage details the severe repercussions of Coakley's actions, which resulted in a multi-vehicle crash that fortunately only caused minor injuries.
Backing up reports from other sources, FOX 35 Orlando provided insights into the events before the chase, detailing that Coakley was wanted for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon due to a shooting that occurred during a road rage incident in Lake County. FOX 35 Orlando also highlighted the multi-county nature of the chase and the collaborative approach of law enforcement in Florida to capture fleeing suspects.
Following his arrest, Coakley was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before being detained at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is currently being held without bond.
