George Henry Harchar of Shalimar was arrested Wednesday after allegedly hitting a pedestrian and leading law enforcement on a pursuit that ended at Eglin Air Force Base’s west gate checkpoint.
- The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office responded around noon to a reported hit-and-run involving a pedestrian in the area of 916 Beal Parkway. Initial reports indicated the pedestrian had significant injuries.
A deputy spotted the suspect’s vehicle with “significant damage to its hood” and windshield and smoke coming from the engine. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but Harchar allegedly failed to stop, according to OCSO.
Harchar allegedly continued driving near the Air Force Armament Museum before heading toward Eglin and striking a lane closure sign at the west gate checkpoint area.
After exiting the vehicle, Harchar allegedly refused commands to show his hands and stepped toward deputies. He was tased and taken into custody.
- OCSO charged Harchar with fleeing and eluding while lights and sirens were on and resisting an officer without violence. He faces additional charges from the Florida Highway Patrol in connection with the hit-and-run, as well as charges from Eglin Air Force Base.
Harchar is being held in the Okaloosa County Jail in Crestview.
Sheriff Eric Aden praised the interagency cooperation and teamwork of the responding agencies.
One Response
We’re the charges upgraded to vehicular manslaughter?