Man arrested for fleeing from Deputies

A 24-year-old Palm Beach County man was arrested Friday after fleeing from Deputies on U.S. 1 in a stolen vehicle.

Harold Adalgo James was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding and reckless driving.

The incident began at approximately 11:15 a.m. when the Sheriff’s Office received information that a white Honda Pilot sport utility vehicle reported stolen out of Palm Beach County may be in Monroe County.

Deputies spotted the Honda northbound on U.S. 1 near Mile Marker 80 in Islamorada.

Sgt. Vaughn O’Keefe attempted to make a traffic stop, but the Honda sped away. Multiple Deputies also attempted to make a traffic stop, but they terminated their involvement in the pursuit due to public safety as the driver of the Honda, later identified as James, reached speeds of more than 80 mph while swerving and nearly striking several other vehicles on the highway.

James also made multiple illegal U-turns on U.S. 1 and turned into one neighborhood before jumping back on U.S. 1.

Deputy Jacques Rozek successfully spiked the Honda’s tires near Mile Marker 102.

James exited the Honda and laid down in the grass near the highway.

A purse was found inside the Honda that James stated he stole from a vehicle parked at a hotel.

James made bizarre statements when questioned, such as he believed his uncle was pursuing him and not law enforcement because his uncle has lasers that can change the names on cars.

James was taken to jail.

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