Current:Home > MyVideo shows Army veteran stopping suspect from jacking pregnant woman's car at a Florida Starbucks -Wealth Empowerment Academy
Video shows Army veteran stopping suspect from jacking pregnant woman's car at a Florida Starbucks
View
Date:2025-04-18 18:18:03
One accused carjacker chose the wrong Starbucks drive-thru to target.
Dashcam footage released late last month shows the end of a police chase in Ocala, Florida, in which suspect Michael Prouty, 39, was being pursued after he allegedly broke into a local resident's house and stole their purse, cell phone and Cadilliac car, according to police.
Following a short chase in which the Prouty allegedly damaged several other cars in the stolen vehicle, he crashed at an intersection and took off on foot, approaching cars sitting in a nearby Starbucks drive-thru.
This is where Army veteran Shane Spicer first laid eyes on the suspect.
Spicer told local affiliate FOX 35 Orlando that he was barely awake and waiting in line for his coffee fix when he saw the crash and subsequent foot chase unfold. It was then that Spicer said he saw Prouty forcing his way into another car lined up in the drive-thru.
"(He was) sprinting up to Starbucks, and he didn’t look like a Starbucks coffee drinker," Spicer told Fox 35. "Then he yanked the girl out of the car. And just kind of an instinctive, kind of reactionary thing."
March for Isreal livestream:'March for Israel' rally livestream: Supporters gather in Washington DC
Footage shows moment would-be carjacker is foiled
The released dashcam footage shows Prouty trying to enter a woman's vehicle from the driver's side in what police said was an attempted carjacking. Multiple outlets have since reported that the woman driving the car was also pregnant at the time.
Spicer can then be seen exiting his own vehicle and sprinting over to intervene, getting into the passenger side of the would-be victim's car to fight Prouty off. Bodycam footage from one of the arresting officers then shows Spicer chasing Prouty down and holding him until police are able to catch up and make the arrest.
In a press release, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken also acknowledged another good Samaritan, Tom Episcopo, who he said slowed Prouty down earlier in the chase.
"We are proud of these two citizens for their heroic action, for helping our officers make the arrest, and for keeping our community safe," Chief Balken shared.
According to the release, Prouty has a lengthy criminal history and is facing multiple charges. Ocala police charged Prouty with fleeing and eluding, attempted carjacking, crash involving injuries, and resisting arrest, while authorities in Sumter County, where he stole the original vehicle, are charging him with home invasion, battery on a person over 65, and grand theft of a vehicle.
"I feel like if you’ve got the ability to watch out for someone, that you should," Spicer told Fox 35. "I would just hope that someone would do the same for my family."
Man crashes into deputies in wild video:Video shows man crashing car into Florida sheriff's deputies, injuring 2
veryGood! (57914)
Related
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Here's how Lionel Messi, Inter Miami can win second title together as early as Wednesday
- Opinion: Antonio Pierce's cold 'business' approach reflects reality of Raiders' challenges
- Sean 'Diddy' Combs impregnated victim, Yung Miami encouraged abortion, lawsuit alleges
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Fifth Harmony Alums Camila Cabello & Normani Reunite for First Time in 6 Years at Paris Fashion Week
- Urban communities that lack shade sizzle when it’s hot. Trees are a climate change solution
- NMSU football play-caller Tyler Wright's social media has dozens of racist, sexist posts
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Meghan Trainor talks touring with kids, her love of T-Pain and learning self-acceptance
Ranking
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Dakota Johnson's Underwear Story Involving Barack Obama Will Turn You Fifty Shades of Red
- Naomi Campbell Banned as Charity Trustee for 5 Years After Spending Funds on Hotels, Spas and Cigarettes
- Court revives lawsuit of Black pastor who was arrested while watering his neighbor’s flowers
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- People are supporting 'book sanctuaries' despite politics: 'No one wants to be censored'
- 2024 Presidents Cup Round 2: Results, matchups, tee times from Friday's golf foursomes
- Indicted New York City mayor adopts familiar defense: He was targeted for his politics
Recommendation
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
A federal judge in Texas will hear arguments over Boeing’s plea deal in a 737 Max case
'Dangerous rescue' saves dozens stranded on hospital roof amid Helene deluge
Chappell Roan cancels 2 festival performances: 'Things have gotten overwhelming'
Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
Lizzo Makes First Public Appearance Since Sharing Weight Loss Transformation
Trees down: Augusta National 'assessing the effects' of Hurricane Helene
Democrats challenge Ohio order preventing drop-box use for those helping voters with disabilities