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

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

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

Chief Deputy Kyle Gaddy was directing traffic when he noticed an open container of alcohol and smelled marijuana inside the pickup truck.

The driver, identified as 27-year-old Quajon Laster, was asked to stop for further questioning. Instead, Laster tried to pass the other car, nearly hitting Chief Deputy Brian Jackson.

Laster fled south on US 1 toward Volusia County, prompting a pursuit by Chief Deputy Gaddy. The truck was later found crashed into a parked trailer at the Super 8 Motel on US 1. Witnesses told officers they saw Laster enter the motel room, where he was found hiding under a blanket.

Luster was arrested and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement at a high rate of speed, wanton disregard, careless driving, driving without a valid license, resisting an officer without violence, tampering with evidence and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. .

“This dirtbag clearly had no regard for the safety of deputies, state police officers and others at the scene,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley said. “We checked 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, with previous charges including aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, grand theft of a motor vehicle and burglary of a motor vehicle. He is currently being held without bond at Sheriff’s Perry Hall Detention Facility.

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