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Accused armed carjacker jumped in river to attempt escape, deputies say
A carjacking suspect led deputies on a chase across land and water Monday night before being pulled from the Halifax River and arrested, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
PORT ORANGE, Fla. - A Florida man is facing armed carjacking charges after a dramatic chase that ended in the Halifax River.
Authorities say the suspect asked a man for a ride Monday night in Daytona Beach Shores before allegedly pulling a gun and stealing the vehicle.
What we know:
Grant Hagood-James, a 34-year-old man from Fort Lauderdale, is facing armed carjacking charges after a chase that ended in the Halifax River.
Authorities said he asked a man for a ride Monday night in Daytona Beach Shores before allegedly pulling a gun on the man and stealing the vehicle. After abandoning the car, Hagood-James jumped into the river, and body camera footage captured his attempts to escape.
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Hagood-James was later seen swimming toward the deck of a restaurant in Port Orange. Deputies reported that he ran through the restaurant, discarded his shirt, and jumped back into the river.
Volusia Air One image
The helicopter located the man floundering in the water alongside the mangroves there and deputies were able to capture him.
What we don't know:
The motive behind Hagood-James’ actions remains unclear. It is also unknown whether he has any prior criminal record or if additional charges could be filed in connection with the incident. Authorities have not released information on whether anyone was injured during the carjacking or chase.
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The backstory:
The incident unfolded in Daytona Beach Shores and Port Orange, highlighting the challenges deputies face when responding to fast-moving crimes involving waterways. Carjackings and river escapes are rare in the area, making this case particularly notable.
What they're saying:
Deputies credited aerial support and quick response for the successful apprehension of Hagood-James.
The 34-year-old suspect was brought back to waiting law enforcement vehicles breathless and exhausted from running and swimming away from his pursuers.
That's when deputies said he asked, "Any way I could have a smoke?"
Suspect on Body Worn video
The deputies were shocked that he even asked.
"Please?" he said.
"Why do you deserve it?" one deputy asked.
That's where he began justifying why he needed one. Deputies laughed when he claimed that there were alligators out there, crocodiles even.
He was handcuffed and taken to assist the deputies in their search for the contraband in a backpack that he discarded.
Courtesy: Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
What's next:
Hagood-James was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail after 11 p.m. He was charged with armed carjacking and other charges and is being held without bond.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.