St. Lucie County, FL A pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended in a dramatic crash and four arrests in western St. Lucie County on Friday morning, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say the chase involved two missing juveniles and two adult suspects who attempted to flee on foot — and even by swimming across a canal.
Deputies located the stolen car, originally reported missing out of Brevard County, around 10:20 a.m. on October 24. When they attempted a traffic stop, the driver allegedly refused to pull over, accelerating toward Ideal Holding Road, a dead-end area bordered by canal banks and thick brush.
Moments later, the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into vegetation along the canal. All four occupants then jumped out and took off in different directions, sparking a large law enforcement response.
Weapons and Property Discovered Inside Vehicle
During the vehicle search, deputies recovered:
- A replica Sig P365 airsoft pistol
- Multiple ski masks
- Two gaming systems
The discovery raised concerns about whether the suspects may have been planning additional criminal activity prior to the chase.
K-9 Units Track Down Juvenile Suspects
One juvenile suspect was apprehended immediately at the crash location. A perimeter was then established to locate the remaining suspects.
K-9 Deputy Angulo and his partner K-9 Viktor tracked and captured a second juvenile approximately 200 yards from the crash scene. Authorities confirmed both juveniles were reported missing from Charlotte County and were taken into custody without major injury, as per WQCS.
Adults Attempt Escape by Swimming Across Canal
The two adult suspects tried a bolder escape — jumping into the C-24 Canal and attempting to swim toward a citrus grove across the water. However, their attempt to evade deputies did not last long.
The Fort Pierce Police Department joined the search, deploying K-9 Officer Patriani and his dog K-9 Max to help track the fugitives. After several hundred yards, 19-year-old Gavin Guthrie, of Melbourne, was located and apprehended by the K-9, resulting in a bite injury.
Shortly after, the fourth suspect — 18-year-old John Mullins, also from Melbourne — was found and arrested without further struggle.
Multiple Charges Filed
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the adult suspects are facing several serious charges:
Gavin Guthrie, 19
- Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Trespassing
- Resisting Arrest Without Violence
- Reckless Driving
- Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement
John Mullins, 18
- Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Trespassing
- Resisting Arrest Without Violence
The two juveniles were each charged with:
- Resisting Arrest Without Violence
They have been turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice while their missing persons investigation continues in Charlotte County.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released additional details regarding how the vehicle was stolen from Brevard County or how the juveniles became involved with the two adult suspects. The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active and more charges could be filed pending further review.
Community Reaction and Public Safety
Residents of western St. Lucie County expressed concern about the chase entering rural neighborhoods and ending in a waterway where children and families often gather. Law enforcement officials emphasized that no civilians were injured during the pursuit — thanks to swift coordination among multiple agencies.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you feel stolen car chases pose risks to neighborhoods in St. Lucie County?
How can law enforcement deter juvenile involvement in serious crimes?
Share your opinions and reactions in the comments below. Your voice matters as the community works to stay safe and informed.
