Flagler County Traffic Stop Leads to Arrests and Missing Child Recovery
Flagler County deputies conducted a traffic stop on December 31 on US Highway 1 near Whiteview Drive after receiving a report of suspicious activity. The deputies discovered a 60-year-old man and two minors in the truck, one of whom was reported missing from St. Johns County. The man attempted to flee but was apprehended, while the 15-year-old passenger drove off, leading deputies on a brief chase before crashing on State Road 100.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported that two individuals were arrested and a missing child was found following the traffic stop that escalated into a pursuit and crash in western Flagler County. The driver, Darnell Hairston, 60, was with two minors in the vehicle. One of the minors was reported missing from St. Johns County and was secured by deputies. Hairston attempted to resist arrest and grab a deputy’s firearm before being subdued and charged with various offenses.
During the arrest of Hairston, the 15-year-old passenger re-entered the truck and fled, almost hitting a deputy. A chase ensued along US Highway 1 and State Road 100, culminating in a crash near the Putnam County line where the teenager intentionally collided with a deputy’s patrol car. Both vehicles ended up in a wooded area, with the truck rolling over. The teen was apprehended after exiting the vehicle and faces multiple charges.
The 15-year-old, whose identity is withheld due to being a minor, was charged with offenses including aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, driving without a license, and resisting an officer without violence. Hairston, a registered sexual offender with a criminal history, is in custody without bond. The investigation continues to determine the relationship between Hairston, the 15-year-old, and the recovered missing child.
Two deputies sustained minor injuries during the incident but were treated and released from AdventHealth Palm Coast. Another deputy’s patrol car collided with an automotive repair building in Bunnell. Hairston's criminal background and prior prison sentence are being considered in the ongoing investigation. The recovered child has been handed over to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.