BUNNELL, FL– The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is sharing a video showing the arrest of a “nearly naked” hit-and-run driver who led them on a police chase that at one point, brought them onto an elementary school campus.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 21st.
Flagler County deputies say they responded to the area of State Road 100 East and Old Kings Road South after a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer traveling near the area, witnessed a light blue SUV drive through the intersection and hit several vehicles.
The vehicle then continued south on Old Kings Road at a high rate of speed. The FWC officer activated his police lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop, however, the driver of the blue SUV refused to stop.
The driver then entered the campus of Old Kings Elementary School and drove around the running track before exiting the school.
Authorities followed the suspect as he continued to drive on Old Kings Road. The driver then entered the Flagler County Landfill and drove into the wooded area between the landfill and I-95.
FCSO deputies arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter around the vehicle before approaching it.
The driver and passenger were given multiple commands to exit the vehicle but refused, causing authorities to forcibly remove them.
Authorities said the driver, now identified as 22-year-old Stephen Peterson of Port Orange, was naked except for a small covering wrapped around his waist and socks. The passenger 20-year-old Victoria Averill was also taken from the vehicle but was fully clothed.
Peterson is facing several charges including, Fleeing and Eluding, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Damage to Vehicle or Property, Resisting an Officer without Violence, Trespassing on School Grounds, Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Equipment.
Averill is facing charges of Trespassing on School Grounds, Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Equipment.