Nearly-Naked FL Man Dragged From Car By Police After Hit And Run

FLAGLER COUNTY, FL — A police chase in North Florida came to a revealing conclusion last week when authorities were forced to drag a man dressed only in a scarf and socks from his car following multiple hit-and-runs.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, 22-year-old Stephen Peterson of Port Orange was charged with several counts following the June 21 incident, including fleeing police, leaving the scene of a crash, trespassing on school grounds, and possession of marijuana.

According to authorities, a Florida environmental officer witnessed Peterson strike multiple cars while driving a light blue SUV through the intersection of State Road 100 East and Old Kings Road South. The officer tried to pull over Peterson, but he refused to stop, authorities said.

Peterson fled to Old Kings Elementary School and drove around the running track before leaving the school and continuing on Old Kings Road, authorities said. Officers pursued him through Flagler County Landfill and into a wooded area near Interstate 95 before Peterson's car struck a concrete barrier, according to authorities.

Police said Flager and his passenger were asked multiple times to exit the vehicle but refused.

Body camera footage shared by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office shows officers asking Peterson why he refused to leave the car.

"I am butt naked," he told officers.

"I don't care. Get out of the car now," a deputy responded.

Peterson and his passenger were eventually arrested, authorities said, adding that Peterson was "nearly naked" and wearing only a small covering around his waist and socks.

Peterson's passenger, 20-year-old Victoria Averill, was charged with trespassing on school grounds, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"Just when you think you've seen and heard everything, a driver causes multiple hit-and-run crashes, flees from law enforcement, resists arrest, and then has to be dragged out naked from his car to be arrested," Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news release.

He continued, "Not only did this man endanger lives on the road and his passenger, but he also could have placed innocent children at risk had they been playing on the running track. I'll leave it up to your imagination on what was going on inside the car."