In the early hours of December 15, 2025, Howell County deputies were called to a residence after receiving reports that someone was attempting to break into a home. When law enforcement arrived, they saw two men near the property. It was reported that one fled into the surrounding woods, while the other got into a dark SUV. Attempts to communicate with him failed, and deputies noticed him repeatedly reaching into his waistband and pockets, raising concerns that he could have a weapon.
The deputies tried multiple measures to gain control of the situation. Taser deployments, pepper spray, and a K9 unit were all used in an effort to stop the vehicle, but the driver reportedly still got away, initiating a high-speed pursuit along the U.S. Highway, where speeds reached close to 100 miles per hour at times.
Tactical interventions were used to try to halt the vehicle, which eventually struck a telephone pole and later rolled over after colliding with a guardrail. The deputies were able to safely extract the man from the wreckage.
When they searched the SUV, the deputies allegedly found a loaded 9mm handgun, nearly 185 grams of meth, Xanax, and drug paraphernalia. They also noted that they found packaging materials that could indicate distribution.
The suspect was arrested and booked into the Howell County Jail. He is facing several preliminary charges, including trafficking drugs in the first degree, property damage in the first degree, trespassing in the first degree, resisting arrest for a felony, and unlawful possession of a firearm. At the time this was written, online documents showed that the man was still in custody.
The authorities have not indicated whether formal charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.