LANTANA, Fla. (CBS12) — A 30-year-old Boynton Beach man faces six criminal charges after being arrested for a stolen vehicle stop that escalated into a police chase, battery on an officer, and drug possession.
The Lantana Police Department responded at 9:49 p.m. Thursday to reports of a stolen vehicle at the Wawa near North Lantana Road and Andrew Redding Road. The gray 2024 Ford Mustang was found parked with one occupant, later identified as Jonathan Germain.
As Florida Highway Patrol troopers boxed in the Mustang, Germain accelerated in reverse, crashing into a trooper’s vehicle. He then exited the car and fled on foot. Officers quickly pursued and apprehended Germain at a nearby KFC.
The stolen vehicle, listed as a Sixth Car Rental, had been reported stolen on October 13, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Upon searching the vehicle, troopers found 14 grams of methamphetamine and five grams of crack cocaine. They also discovered that Germain was on probation, with conditions prohibiting driving, alcohol, or illegal substances.
Germain was taken into custody and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he awaits sentencing.
