Man driving stolen car attempts to flee police

Public Information Officer Mark Samson reported to Historic City News that the St. Augustine Police Department was called to Edwards Paint and Body Shop on Pacific Street earlier today; regarding a burglary and theft of a 2002 Cadillac.

Officer Jon Marston responded and broadcast a description of the stolen vehicle to other officers on patrol in the area.

Based on Officer Marston’s description, Officer Jeff Collins spotted a suspicious Cadillac vehicle driving east on King Street near Elkton Street.

Officer Collins notified the communications center that he was following the vehicle and requested additional units to assist in the felony traffic stop.

Before backup arrived, the driver of the vehicle, identified by police as 19 year-old Oliver James Rollins, who resides at 841 North St. Johns Street in St. Augustine, drove away from Officer Collins at a high rate of speed.

The police pursuit continued until Rollins reached to the intersection of Evergreen and Palmer Streets, where he crashed the Cadillac.

Rollins exited the stolen vehicle and fled north through an open field.

With the aid of St. Johns County Sheriff’s deputies Corporal Greg Mullenix, Joey Romer and K-9 Kobe, the driver was tracked and caught.

Rollins has been charged with Burglary, theft from Edwards Auto Body Shop, Auto Theft Aggravated Fleeing to Elude and Reckless Driving.

Samson told Historic City News that further investigation has revealed that Rollins is involved in additional burglaries and thefts, so their investigation is continuing.

Anyone with any information concerning this crime or who may know the identity of others involved is asked to contact detectives with the St. Augustine Police Department at (904) 209-3482. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS.