- December 4, 2025
A Flagler County deputy was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 4, after he fled for 1.9 miles from an Ormond Beach Police officer who had initiated a traffic stop.
According to OBPD's report, 28-year-old Ardit Coma was seen speeding at 7:44 a.m. in the 1400 block of North U.S. 1. Coma was driving at a speed of 88 mph; the posted speed limit is 55 mph. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said in a press release that Coma was on his way to work in his unmarked assigned agency vehicle.
The police officer attempted to pull Coma over, activating his emergency lights and siren, but Coma continued northbound to the area around Wall Avenue, where he merged into the outside lane and accelerated around traffic. Instead of pursuing, the officer turned off his emergency lights and siren and notified other OBPD officers of the fleeing vehicle.
Coma was spotted by another officer further north at Ormond Lakes Boulevard and North U.S 1; he was traveling at about 90 mph, the report states.
Stop sticks were deployed at North U.S. 1 and Pine Tree Drive. Coma drove around them and stopped in the turn lane, at which point, officers and Volusia County Sheriff's deputies conducted a felony stop.
When informed that he was being arrested for fleeing and eluding, Coma "laughed and stated, 'When did that happen?'" according to the police report.
Coma told police he had been unaware that a traffic stop had been initiated. He was taken to jail and has been suspended without pay.
“Sheriff Rick Staly expects our employees to follow the law and when a deputy’s alleged actions rise to the level of an arrest, we act swiftly, as this type of behavior is not representative of the values or expectations of the Sheriff’s Office,” FCSO Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge said. “We also believe in the criminal justice system which provides Detective Coma due process just like anyone else.”
Coma joined the FCSO in June 2023. The Sheriff's Office states he serves in the major case unit and has received numerous commendations, including a Life Saving Award in 2024.
Once a criminal case is completed, the FCSO Professional Standards Unit will conduct an internal investigation.
