Palm Coast, FL (September 18, 2025) – A police pursuit involving three burglary suspects turned deadly Tuesday afternoon when a fleeing SUV entered a northbound exit ramp on Interstate 95 going the wrong way and struck another vehicle head-on, killing a 71-year-old woman from Ormond Beach.
The crash occurred around 12:30 PM near the intersection of I-95 and U.S. 1 in Palm Coast, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol. Authorities say the suspects, originally wanted in connection to a series of car burglaries in St. Johns County, were traveling southbound on I-95 at high speeds in a black Chevrolet Suburban when they began evading deputies in reckless fashion.
During the pursuit, the SUV reportedly sideswiped a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office vehicle before veering off the highway. Instead of exiting safely, the driver turned the wrong way onto an I-95 exit ramp, colliding head-on with a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle.
The woman driving the Beetle sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. Her identity has not been released, but authorities confirmed she was a resident of Ormond Beach. The occupants of the Suburban—identified as 40-year-old Stevens Charles of Miami and two other men, ages 22 and 38—abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. They were quickly apprehended near the woodline by responding deputies.
Charles now faces a list of felony charges, including felony murder, fleeing and eluding law enforcement resulting in death, leaving the scene of a crash with a fatality, and resisting arrest without violence. The Florida Highway Patrol has taken over the crash investigation.
Law enforcement emphasized the tragic consequences of the suspects’ actions, with one sheriff stating that a completely innocent woman lost her life simply because “a group of criminals chose to run.”
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim in this heartbreaking and senseless tragedy.
Police Chase Collisions in Florida
High-speed chases are among the most dangerous events on Florida’s roadways, not just for those being pursued—but for every driver nearby. The crash near I-95 and U.S. 1 in Palm Coast is a devastating example of how pursuits involving fleeing suspects can lead to fatal outcomes for completely uninvolved motorists.
In this incident, the wrong-way entry onto an exit ramp and a direct head-on impact resulted in the tragic death of a 71-year-old woman simply driving along her route. Police chases at highway speeds dramatically increase the likelihood of catastrophic collisions, particularly when suspects drive recklessly, disregard traffic controls, or enter roadways in the wrong direction.
These types of crashes often leave families of the victims overwhelmed by sudden grief, unanswered questions, and legal complexity. Although suspects may face severe criminal charges—as in this case—many families also pursue civil remedies in the wake of such tragedies to support long-term recovery or seek justice for their loved one.
Florida law enforcement agencies maintain specific protocols for high-risk pursuits, but the split-second decisions of fleeing drivers can override even the most cautious planning. When police pursuits cross jurisdictional lines, as this one did from St. Johns to Flagler County, coordination becomes even more critical—and so does the need for public awareness.
At Local Accident Reports, we are dedicated to supporting families affected by preventable tragedies like this. If someone you love has been injured or killed in a crash caused by a fleeing suspect or reckless driver, we’re here to help you access timely updates, support resources, and guidance through your next steps. Reach out today to learn more about how we can assist you during this incredibly difficult time.
