Authorities say two sets of stop sticks were needed to end a high-speed chase on U.S. 27 Thursday night that began after Highlands County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a man battering his elderly parents.
Eric Rodney Vondell, 45, was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, two counts of battery on a person 65 years of age or older, aggravated fleeing/eluding with injury or damage and crimes against a person that could cause death.
Highlands County Sheriff's Lt. Gus Garcia said the suspect fled from responding deputies after allegedly battering his 84-year-old parents and threatening to kill his mother.
The first set of stop sticks was deployed at U.S. 27 and Golfview Road after Vondell refused to stop, according to Garcia, but failed.
Stop sticks were again used at U.S. 27 and Tubbs Road, this time causing the car tires to deflate, according to Garcia.
"Vondell continued south, spinning out of control, and striking a road sign near Orange Street and the Race Trac convenience store," he said.
The lieutenant added that the suspect was taken to the hospital, checked out and then released and booked at the Highlands County Jail.
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