By-Line: Joseph Bober, FCSO
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies made 12 arrests this past weekend between 6 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, and 6 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024. Deputies handled 609 calls for service and made 159 traffic stops.
Man Arrested After Fleeing from Reported Weapons Disturbance
Around noon on Sunday, December 29, deputies responded to an armed disturbance with weapons. The suspect, Bret Tucker, 50, of Bunnell, had made threats while holding a handgun and had told the victims to call the police and report a dead body.
Tucker then fled the residence before deputies arrived. Deputies searched for Tucker’s truck, and the vehicle was located at a residence on County Road 135 in Bunnell. Tucker was on the front porch when he was spotted by deputies but retreated inside when contact was initiated and initially refused to come outside.
Deputies established a perimeter around the residence and the FCSO Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit launched a drone for aerial surveillance. Deputies also started making public address announcements until Tucker exited the residence.
Tucker complied and was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill, Child Abuse without Great Bodily Harm, and Domestic Battery. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $27,500 bond.
Bret Tucker (SPHIDF Mugshot)
“No argument should ever resort to violence or a threat of violence, especially with a weapon,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our deputies did an outstanding job to quickly de-escalate the situation and safely take him into custody.”
Woman Arrested for Breaking into Ex-Boyfriend’s Vehicle
On the evening of Sunday, December 29, deputies responded to a suspicious incident after a male and female reported receiving continuous phone calls and texts from Crystal Stiefel, 25, of Palm Coast after Stiefel had learned they had begun dating. Stiefel had also called into the female’s workplace and driven through the parking lot of the business.
Just over an hour later, the male called the FCSO Communications Center again to report that his truck, which had been parked at his girlfriend’s workplace, had been broken into. After the break-in, he reported that items had been moved onto the pavement next to the vehicle and a chainsaw had been stolen.
Deputies then contacted Stiefel, who admitted to going to the business, entering the truck (which had been unlocked), and stealing the chainsaw.
Stiefel was arrested for Burglary of a Vehicle and Petit Theft. She was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and was released after posting a $1,500 bond.
Crystal Stiefel (SPHIDF Mugshot)
“Stealing something out of someone’s car because you don’t like who they are dating is petty and is never the right answer,” said Sheriff Staly. “All she did was earn herself a trip to the Green Roof Inn. This is a good reminder to always lock your car doors.”
