A Lake Worth man was arrested after he allegedly stole liquor from a Martin County Publix and fled from deputies at speeds exceeding 80 mph before being tracked by helicopter into Palm Beach County. Derwyn Don Edwards, 24, was taken into custody with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and faces charges of reckless fleeing and eluding and petit theft.
According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Edwards entered the Publix liquor store at 6805 SE Federal Highway around 11:24 a.m. and stole multiple bottles of liquor. The retailer provided deputies with a description of Edwards and the vehicle he was driving.
A deputy located the vehicle near SE Dominica Terrace and Federal Highway and attempted a traffic stop, but authorities said Edwards failed to stop and continued driving recklessly. Because the incident did not meet the agency's pursuit-policy criteria, the deputy turned off emergency lights and siren and disengaged.
Deputies said Edwards nevertheless continued driving dangerously, at times exceeding 80 mph, running red lights and endangering the public before heading south on Interstate 95. MCSO Air 1 then located the vehicle and monitored it from above, guiding deputies as Edwards entered Palm Beach County without a ground pursuit. Authorities said Edwards eventually parked and attempted to hide. Air 1 directed an unmarked unit to his location, and he was taken into custody.
Edwards is being held at the Martin County Jail.