A Kissimmee man was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly stole a car and kidnapped two 4-year-olds from Hendry County.
DeSoto County deputies said they spotted a stolen vehicle on Highway 17 that matched the description of a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) alert for the two missing children.
When authorities attempted a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as 47-year-old Jerome Ralph Garvin, refused to pull over and led deputies on a chase.
According to reports, Garvin eventually abandoned the vehicle, leaving the children inside while the car was still in motion.
Deputies, along with Arcadia police, were able to quickly apprehend Garvin.
Garvin was arrested and is facing several charges, including:
- Grand theft of a motor vehicle
- Fleeing or eluding police
- Child neglect
- Driving with a suspended license
- Leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage
- Two counts of resisting an officer
Reports also revealed that Garvin has a history of felony offenses, including robbery, grand theft auto, and aggravated battery.
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