Deputies were searching Friday for Joshua Mauri after investigators said he forced his way into a DeLand home, threatened a woman and destroyed her phone. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said the woman had taken shelter in a bedroom with her children. Deputies later reported that Mauri rammed a patrol vehicle and fled into Lake County.
Deputies Describe Home Invasion Allegations and Search
The incident began around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, when deputies were dispatched to the home after a 911 call for help, according to WESH. Investigators said the woman and her children sheltered in a bedroom as Mauri entered the home, took her phone, destroyed it and threatened to hurt her. He left in a black Porsche SUV, nearly striking a deputy arriving at the scene.
The deputy briefly followed the SUV, then returned to check on the woman after the 911 call went silent, the station reported. Deputies said they saw Mauri in the area again around 1:30 a.m. Friday.
Deputies Say Suspect Fled After Patrol-Car Collision
When deputies tried to approach Mauri, he allegedly backed into a patrol vehicle and drove off, according to the same account. The SUV reportedly cut through a yard and fence before reaching State Road 44 and continuing into Lake County.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said Mauri faces multiple charges, including domestic assault, robbery by sudden snatching, deprivation of 911 services, aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, and criminal mischief. The office asked anyone who spots him to call 911.
Victim Support in Volusia County
The Volusia Sheriff's Office says its Victim Advocate Unit offers guidance, referrals and emotional support and can be reached at 386-254-1537. The Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County says its 24-hour hotline provides support, safety planning and referrals at (386) 255-2102. The hotline is answered seven days a week, according to the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County.
What Florida Law Says About Fleeing Deputies
Under Florida Statute 316.1935(3)(a), fleeing or attempting to elude an officer in a marked patrol vehicle with activated siren and lights, while driving at high speed or with wanton disregard for safety, is classified as a second-degree felony, according to the Florida Legislature, Online Sunshine. The statute also provides for a mandatory prison sentence.
