Bodycam video from Daytona Beach police shows a routine traffic stop spinning out in seconds, ending with officers chasing a fleeing driver who, they say, ditched his young daughter in the woods before being caught. Officers later found the girl in the brush, got her checked out and took her father into custody.
Police say they pulled over a car they thought might be linked to a shooting and began questioning the driver when an officer spotted a small baggie wedged between the driver’s seat and the door. As soon as the officer picked it up and asked the man, identified by police as Cory Acree, to step out, investigators say Acree hit the gas, plowed into an apartment complex gate and then ran on foot, as reported by ClickOrlando.
Daytona Beach officers say Acree sprinted into nearby woods with the girl, then left her there a short distance in before he was arrested. The video shows officers pulling the child from the brush, checking her for injuries and trying to calm her down with stickers and toys while medics evaluated her. Local10 reported that Acree is being held without bond on multiple charges.
Bodycam Captures The Chase
Body-worn camera audio records officers shouting that a “small child” was bailing out with the suspect and, later, one officer telling Acree, “Everything that has happened to you tonight, sir, is a direct result of your actions.” The footage shows police sweeping the tree line until they spot the girl and carry her out of the woods. Investigators told ClickOrlando they believe the vehicle may be tied to a separate shooting, although Acree has not been charged in that case.
Charges And Next Steps
Local coverage states that Acree faces counts that include fleeing from officers, child endangerment and drug-related offenses, with the investigation still active and prosecutors set to decide on formal charges. Local10 noted he was booked into the Volusia County jail and remained held without bond. Police say detectives are continuing to gather evidence for the prosecutor’s office.
