A Volusia County chase that started with a crash and escalated into a nail salon carjacking ended Wednesday with deputies pulling a suspect out of a remotely disabled car in the middle of the roadway, according to authorities. Deputies identified the 44-year-old suspect as Robert Tokarz and say they took him into custody after stopping the stolen vehicle in traffic.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, investigators say Tokarz had already crashed another stolen vehicle before he walked into a Port Orange nail salon, grabbed a customer's keys and drove off in her car. During the chase, he allegedly told an OnStar representative that he was armed with an AR-15 and warned law enforcement to back off. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood later said deputies determined there was no firearm. The station reports that body-camera footage showed multiple beer containers inside the vehicle and that deputies believed Tokarz had been drinking during the incident.
How the chase ended
Authorities say the pursuit came to a halt after OnStar remotely disabled the stolen car, allowing deputies to end the chase without a high-speed crash. Deputies then moved in on the stopped vehicle and pulled Tokarz out, and officials who reviewed the body-camera footage say he still had a beer in his hand as he was removed.
Charges and investigation
Per FOX 35 Orlando, Tokarz faces multiple counts, including carjacking, hit-and-run and fleeing law enforcement. Investigators also allege he used the victim's credit card to buy beer after taking her vehicle. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is still active and that additional charges could be filed as detectives continue to gather evidence.
Legal outlook
Florida law defines carjacking under Florida Statutes §812.133, according to the Florida Senate, as taking a motor vehicle from another person by force or by putting someone in fear, and treats it as a first-degree felony. The statute allows for enhanced penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment, if a firearm or other deadly weapon is used during the crime. Prosecutors will review the evidence gathered by the sheriff's office before filing formal charges in court.
Tokarz remains in custody, and upcoming court records will list the specific charges and any scheduled hearings. This story will be updated as the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and local courts release more information.
