Latest news with #JesseKirk
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Stolen car with 7 teens inside crashes after multi-county chase in Orange County: deputies
The Brief Deputies said a multi-county chase involving a stolen vehicle with seven teenagers inside ended in a crash on Lee Road in Orange County early Thursday. The vehicle had been reported stolen on Wednesday in Osceola County. The driver of the stolen vehicle is facing charges, along with another occupant of the vehicle. Additional charges are pending. ORLANDO, Fla. - A multi-county chase involving a stolen vehicle with seven teenagers inside ended in a crash in Orange County early Thursday, according to deputies. At least two people inside the stolen vehicle are facing charges, though additional charges are pending, a spokesperson for the Polk County Sheriff's Office said. As of Thursday morning, both eastbound and westbound lanes of Lee Road near Adanson Street, where the crash occurred, are closed. The backstory Just after 1 a.m. Thursday, Polk County deputies were alerted by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office about a stolen gray 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander involved in one of their investigations near the intersection of Ronald Reagan Parkway and Champions Gate Boulevard in Polk County. The vehicle was reported stolen in Osceola County on Wednesday. Polk County deputies, along with a sheriff's office helicopter and Florida Highway Patrol troopers, began a pursuit as the vehicle continued into Osceola County and eventually Orange County. Troopers spotted the Mitsubishi traveling eastbound on Interstate 4 and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued, exiting I-4 onto Lee Road, east of Adanson Street. MORE NEWS: Search for Jesse Kirk: Remains found 11 miles from missing Titusville woman's condo It was there that troopers attempted a PIT maneuver. However, the driver continued fleeing in the wrong direction, going eastbound in a westbound lane, according to troopers. The Mitsubishi ultimately crashed into a 2019 Honda Insight and a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu at around 1:39 a.m., authorities said. The teenagers in the Mitsubishi, and the drivers of the other vehicles involved in the crash, were taken to local hospitals. The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the driver of the Mitsubishi, 18-year-old Christopher Lee, of Altamonte Springs, and another occupant are facing charges. Once cleared from the hospital, they will be booked into the Orange County Corrections Center. Lee is facing charges of burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, fleeing law enforcement, and driving without a valid license. Authorities said he also has multiple active warrants in Orange County. It remains unclear what charges the other occupant will face. MORE NEWS:Tavares child abuse case: Florida boy was tied with duct tape, had dumbbell on him, deputies say The suspects may also face additional charges from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, as the vehicle was allegedly stolen from their jurisdiction. Inside the Mitsubishi were a 13-year-old, a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds, the 18-year-old driver and another person whose age is unknown. Everyone except the driver is from Orlando. The conditions of the occupants in the Mitsubishi, as well as those in the other two cars involved in the crash are unknown. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Highway Patrol on March 6, 2025.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Search for Jesse Kirk: Remains found 11 miles from missing Titusville woman's condo
The Brief Human remains have been found near Jesse Kirk's home in Titusville, but it's unclear if they belong to her. Kirk, a well-known community member, was reported missing after her car was found burned. David Barber, the estranged boyfriend of her niece, has been arrested in connection with her disappearance. TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Law enforcement officers have found human remains not far from Jesse Kirk's condominium. The 72-year-old Titusville woman was reported missing on Tuesday, March 4. What we know Human remains have been found near a canal about 11 miles from Jesse Kirk's condominium in Titusville. The remains have not yet been confirmed as belonging to Kirk, who was reported missing on March 4. Authorities are investigating the connection to her disappearance, and a man named David Barber, the estranged boyfriend of Kirk's niece, is currently in jail in connection with the case. What we don't know The identity of the remains has not yet been confirmed through DNA testing. It is still unclear whether the remains belong to Jesse Kirk, and further investigation is required to determine the cause of the fire and the events leading up to her disappearance. The backstory Kirk, a well-loved community member in Titusville, was active in local philanthropy and known for growing sunflowers and vegetables, which she donated to those in need. She was reported missing after not showing up for a scheduled walk, and her car was found burned in Orange County. Kirk and her late husband were both celebrated for their community contributions. What they're saying Neighbor Paul Weiss, who described Kirk as a "super-sweet" person, said, "It's not looking good as far as the outcome, and I think everyone is a little numb – a little in shock." Weiss said Kirk was friends with everybody. "It's sad," said Weiss. "It's obvious something tragic happened, and it's just awful." Germain Santiago was cycling passed Kirk's condo on Wednesday. He said he was hoping to catch a glimpse of his boss's white Lincoln Navigator in her usual parking spot. He said he prayed the news of her disappearance wasn't true. "I wanted to see if I could see it or not – just to confirm it myself," said Santiago. Kirk is a realtor, and Santiago said he maintains some of her properties. According to Santiago, Kirk was liked by all who knew her. "Beautiful… no other words," Santiago said. "Just awesome." Latest in Investigation The human remains will undergo DNA testing for proper identification. Right now, a man named David Barber is in jail facing charges in connection to Kirk's disappearance. Barber, 35, is the estranged boyfriend of Kirk's niece. According to authorities, Barber was prowling around Kirk's home on Tuesday. A witness also reported seeing him driving her stolen car. Another witness spotted a man fitting Barber's description walking away from the burning vehicle. That witness told police he was clutching his right arm. When Titusville police arrested Barber, he reportedly had first- and second-degree burns on his arm. Barber is being held in jail. He was not issued bond as he was already on bond from a previous arrest. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Titusville Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, reporting by Jesse Kirk's neighbor Paul Weiss, and property manager Germain Santiago.
