OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A man wanted on multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants is being sought by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office after fleeing from deputies during two separate chases this week.
The suspect, 32-year-old Richard Zach Wagner of the Crestview area, is said to have initially fled on Tuesday after a deputy spotted him riding a UTV near Highway 90 and Hibiscus Road. When the deputy tried to make contact, Wagner reportedly ran into a wooded area.
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A perimeter was established, and OCSO K9 units, along with several other agencies, joined the search. Mr Wagner is said to have escaped by getting into a vehicle in the Northwoods Road area.
Later that night, Wagner reportedly battered the woman who picked him up and then forcefully took her vehicle in Baker.
A deputy spotted Mr Wagner in the stolen vehicle Wednesday morning on Highway 85 in Laurel Hill and attempted a traffic stop. Wagner fled again, driving off at high speed before crashing into an embankment.
He then bailed out of the vehicle in Alabama and ran into the woods, the OCSO said.
Anyone with information about Mr Wagner’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.
The OCSO thanked the Florida Highway Patrol, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Okaloosa and Walton Correctional Institutions, and the Crestview Police Department for their assistance.
