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Updating Breaking News: Deputies arrest car-jacker in Apopka

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From the Orange County Sheriff's Office

Suspect fights with deputies and steals OCSO cruiser

At approximately 7:30 a.m. the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a residential disturbance at 6403 Summit Drive in Orlando. Upon arrival, deputies encountered an individual threatening to harm himself. After a brief confrontation, the individual fled the residence and deputies began a search.

A short time later a deputy parked at the corner of Overland and Grace Street in Apopka was rear-ended by a vehicle later to be determined to have been a stolen truck and driven by the suspect from the confrontation. Unaware of the suspect’s identity the deputy attempted to render aid to the driver and instead got into a fight. The suspect was able to break free and subsequently jumped into the deputy’s car and fled the scene. The suspect was spotted in the deputy’s vehicle and pursued for approximately 2 miles. The suspect caused two crashes.

With the stolen deputy vehicle no longer functioning after the final crash, the suspect got out of the car and charged the responding deputy. Another deputy also arrived on scene to assist in the arrest. Both deputies struggled with the suspect and deployed their electronic control devices on multiple occasions to no avail. Once additional deputies arrived on scene the suspect was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Three deputies, two civilians and the suspect were all taken to the hospital. The three deputies have been treated and were released, and at last check, both citizens were still in the hospital. The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Vincent Joseph Botta. Botta is charged with carjacking, armed burglary to a vehicle, fleeing and eluding, and resisting with violence. He is still in the hospital but will soon be released and taken to the Booking and Release Center of the Orange County Jail.

Orange County Sheriff's Office

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