Convicted felon arrested in Flagler County after nearly hitting deputy with car

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Bunnell man is facing multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase and nearly striking a deputy, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol were working on a crash that closed the Northbound lanes at U.S. Highway 1 and Plantation Bay Drive.

While directing traffic, Master Deputy Kyle Gaddie noticed an open container of alcohol and smelled marijuana inside a pickup truck.

The driver, identified as 27-year-old Qwajon Laster, was asked to pull over for further questioning. Instead, Laster tried to go around another vehicle and nearly hit Deputy Bryan Jackson.

Laster fled south on US 1 towards Volusia County and pursued Deputy Master Gaddie. The truck was later found crashed into a parked trailer at the Super 8 motel on US 1. Witnesses told deputies they saw Laster enter a motel room, where he was found hiding under a blanket.

Laster was arrested and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement at high speed; indecent disrespect, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, resisting a police officer without violence, tampering with evidence, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. .

“This asshole had a blatant disregard for the safety of deputies, state troopers and others at the scene,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We pulled this guy out of the Super 8 motel and booked him into the Green Roof Inn.”

Laster has a criminal history dating back to 2015; Previous charges included serious violence against a pregnant woman, motor vehicle theft and vehicle theft. He is currently being held without bail at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

Authorities thanked the Florida Highway Patrol and Ormond Beach Police Department for their assistance in the arrest.