A dramatic arrest unfolded in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a man accused of driving a stolen vehicle was apprehended outside a Starbucks on Saturday. The arrest happened after a quick-thinking bystander detained him until police could step in, as shown in police body camera footage.
Brandon Rabbitts was identified by the Port Orange Police Department as the individual operating a vehicle reported stolen during a recent business break-in.
When Rabbitts attempted to evade capture, a K-9 officer from the Edgewater Police Department joined the pursuit. Rabbitts’ reckless driving endangered public safety as he sped onto Interstate 95, authorities noted.
The high-speed chase ended when an officer skillfully executed a PIT maneuver, forcing the vehicle to stop in front of a Starbucks, as captured by the officer’s body camera.
Rabbitts then made a run for the Starbucks, but a vigilant bystander managed to hold him until law enforcement arrived to make the arrest, according to the footage.
Rabbits was arrested and charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft of a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended or revoked license, fleeing or attempting to elude, obstructing an officer without violence and fleeing at a high speed.
The police department said a passenger was also arrested.
“We also extend our appreciation to a vigilant citizen who assisted during the incident,” EPD said.