On 1-30-21 at approximately 3:51 p.m. a Deputy with the Uniform Patrol Division of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was conducting proactive patrol in the area of Sandridge Church Rd. and Butler Rd. when he observed a Ford truck fail to stop at the stop sign.
When the Deputy overtook the vehicle and attempted to affect a traffic stop, the driver, John Coty Drew, failed to stop. The pursuit continued onto Salem Church Rd., Gilley Rd. and Stephens Rd. Drew repeatedly slammed on his brakes in an apparent attempt to cause the pursuing Deputy to crash into him, but he was unsuccessful.
The pursuit then traveled onto Hwy 69, Head Pond Rd. and Bateau Pond Rd. at which time the Deputy observed smoke and flames coming from the interior of the vehicle. As the chase reached the intersection of Sweet Pond Rd. and Hwy 69, Drew jumped from the moving vehicle. The vehicle continued on until it struck the Dellwood Dollar General building and came to rest against a tree.
The vehicle was confirmed stolen out of Bay County. John Coty Drew was charged with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Reckless Driving, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest without Violence, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle. He was lodged in the Jackson County Correctional Facility to await first appearance.
John Coty Drew, Male 28 Years of Age, Daytona Beach Florida
