A recent armed carjacking in Volusia County led to an intense hunt for the suspect, who was discovered concealed within the local mangroves. WFTV reported that Grant Hagood-James from Fort Lauderdale committed the carjacking at gunpoint at an intersection in Daytona Beach Shores.
According to ClickOrlando, after flagging down a driver, Hagood-James pointed a gun at them, demanded they exit their vehicle, and then absconded with the car. Deputies later found the vehicle abandoned near Seaway Avenue and S. Peninsula Drive, after the incident had been promptly reported to the authorities.
A subsequent flurry of 911 calls placed a man matching Hagood-James's description swimming near a local restaurant, Our Deck Down Under. In response to these reports, a sweep involving K-9 units, air support, and assets from neighboring police forces combed the area for Hagood-James.
The search, which incorporated deputies, K-9s, Air-One, and a drone, as well as boats from the Port Orange and Edgewater police departments, culminated when Hagood-James was located approximately 50 yards from Our Deck Down Under, entrenched in the dense foliage of the mangroves; he was apprehended and taken into custody, facing charges of carjacking with a firearm.
No injuries were reported during the event, and Hagood-James was detained without further incident, as relayed by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
