A Destin man was arrested Tuesday after a chaotic hit-and-run incident that began in Destin and ended with a multi-vehicle crash in Fort Walton Beach, injuring six people including a police officer and a K-9, according to police.
- Stephen Martin, 55, faces charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, multiple counts of hit and run, DUI and fleeing and eluding after the incident that unfolded Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Highway 98 and Beal Parkway, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department said in a news release.
Police received a BOLO alert at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday regarding a white Ford F-150 involved in a hit-and-run incident in Destin traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 98, according to the report.
“A Fort Walton Beach Police Department officer observed a vehicle matching the description collide with a gray Toyota pickup truck in the westbound lanes of US-98 near Ferry Road,” the release stated. “As the officer pulled behind the vehicle, the suspect reversed toward the officer, then accelerated forward, striking the Toyota and pushing it approximately 3 feet before fleeing westbound on US-98.”
According to police, Martin turned onto Beal Parkway and drove against traffic, striking a third vehicle. The F-150 then veered off-road into a parking lot, colliding with a pole and hitting a fourth vehicle, the report stated.
- “In the parking lot, the suspect continued to drive recklessly and damaged several concrete poles and an ice machine,” police said in the release. “The suspect then accelerated toward the officer, who had ceased active pursuit and was positioned to block the driveway onto Beal Parkway to contain the suspect.”
Martin avoided the officer and exited back onto Beal Parkway, striking the fourth vehicle again and pushing it into a fifth vehicle, according to the report.
Despite significant vehicle damage and multiple flat tires, Martin continued fleeing northbound on Beal Parkway, according to police. While the initial officer remained on scene to assist injured parties, additional officers positioned themselves behind the suspect vehicle, but Martin refused to stop, the report stated.
“The suspect ultimately crashed near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard NW and Carey Avenue NW, where the pursuit ended and the suspect was taken into custody,” police said. “One Fort Walton Beach K-9 vehicle also crashed at Carey Ave due to the reckless driving of the subject.”
Martin was charged with:
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Multiple counts of hit and run with property damage
- Hit and run with bodily injury
- DUI refusal
- Driving while under the influence fourth or subsequent
- Aggravated flee and elude
- Driving while license suspended or revoked with knowledge
“Three civilians, one officer, a K-9 and the suspect had to receive medical treatment for injuries,” police stated in the release.
The investigation is ongoing, according to police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at 850-833-9546.
NOTE: That the traffic crash on Beal Parkway North of Yacht Club Drive was a separate incident on Tuesday.
2 Responses
Geeze i hope this person hoes to prison for a very long time.
Oh Brad, why, bro? Damn.