VERO BEACH — An Indian River County man has been arrested in Vero Beach after he stole a vehicle, fled authorities, and then let the vehicle run into a building, according to the Indian River Sheriff’s Office.
Norie Davis, 27, was arrested Thursday around 7 p.m. at 2100 7th Ave, in Vero Beach, according to authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stolen 1998 Ford Expedition, which the owner later spotted heading east on 41st Street at US 1, according to authorities.
Deputies began following the vehicle south on Indian River Boulevard, and once the Sheriff’s cars activated their lights and sirens, Davis continued to flee, running red lights.
Davis later used a paved shoulder to pass traffic at approximately 60 mph, according to authorities. Once Davis arrived at 7th Avenue and 21st Street, he exited the still moving vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The vehicle continued to roll and struck the side of the Longbranch Saloon causing approximately $2,300 in damage between the vehicle and the building.
Deputies chased Davis on foot, who continued to run, even after deputies identified themselves as “police,” according to the Sheriff’s Office. Davis ran behind Cunningham’s Bar, Maryland Fried Chicken, and then toward 8th Avenue.
Deputies were able to apprehend him in front of one of the local restaurants.
Davis faces charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer with lights and siren at high speed, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, resisting arrest without violence, and operating a vehicle with suspended or revoked driver’s license with knowledge, according to authorities.
Davis is being held on $161,000 bond.