CRYSTAL RIVER, FL (352today.com) – On the night of Aug. 11, Citrus County deputies received reports of a possible burglary. When they responded to the scene, they say the incident took a dangerous turn.
Shortly before 11 p.m. that night, law enforcement visited the reported scene: a business in Crystal River, located off West Cedar Street. Deputies say two individuals, later identified as defendants Kelly Jean Delmar, 26, and Wyatt Morgan Arnow, 25, both of Fort McCoy, were spotted loading wood onto a trailer hitched to a parked vehicle.
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) says both initially refused to identify themselves or provide a reason for being on the premises. Deputies then attempted to detain the suspects. They say Arnow fought with deputies before fleeing the scene on foot.
According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Delmar then reportedly got into the parked vehicle and accelerated toward the deputies. One deputy avoided being struck, and the other was hit but not seriously injured.
The CCSO post says Delmar picked up Arnow, and the two continued to try to get away. Deputies state that they briefly chased the defendants by car until the defendants’ vehicle crashed into a tree near the intersection of West Balloon Lane and North Turkey Oak Drive.
Deputies were then able to apprehend Delmar. They say Arnow resisted again, but he was eventually apprehended by CCSO K-9 Ranger.
Delmar was booked into jail, and Arnow was taken to a hospital for medical treatment before being arrested.
Following the arrests, law enforcement searched their crashed vehicle. They say they discovered a trafficking amount of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.
Delmar was charged with two counts of aggravated battery on law enforcement, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault on law enforcement, trafficking in fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $61,000.
Arnow was charged with two counts of battery on law enforcement, resisting without violence, fleeing and eluding law enforcement and a first offense of driving with a suspended license. His bond was set at $13,500.
“The deputies involved in the incident displayed remarkable dedication and courage in their efforts in apprehending these two suspects,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “I commend their swift and effective response to this challenging situation. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face while protecting our community and upholding the law. We remain committed to maintaining the safety and security of our community and will continue to work diligently for such.”