Police say suspect Marvette Perry, 36, tried to steal a couple’s car at a Florida gas station earlier this month.
He told WESH-TV.
The victim said he pulled into an Exxon gas station in Ormond Beach to use the restroom, but before he could get out of his car, Perry opened the door, pushed him aside and got into the driver’s seat, the station reported.
“I come from a small town in North Carolina where people help each other. I couldn’t just sit back and watch it happen in a different way.”
However, WESH said Adam McDaniels was visiting Central Florida on June 1, the day of the incident, and happened to be pumping gas at a gas station when he saw what was happening and went straight to Perry.
“I went outside with my gun,” McDaniels told the station, “I ran over and pointed the gun with the laser at her chest and told her not to reach for her weapon.”
WESH noted that when McDaniels realized Perry was unarmed, he put his gun away and remained nearby.
“As soon as she saw my laser hit her chest she stopped, went cold and refused to move or speak,” McDaniels told the sheriff’s office. “I tried to convince her to get out of the vehicle, but she did not do anything until officers arrived.”
One of the victims, a 74-year-old man, grabbed Perry’s leg to stop him from getting into the car, while the victim’s wife was still in the passenger seat, according to WESH.
“I think she was a little agitated but he seemed pretty calm. He grabbed her by the ankles and said he wasn’t going to let go,” McDaniels told police.
McDaniels told WESH she was glad she was able to step in. “I come from a small town in North Carolina where people help each other. I couldn’t just sit back and watch it happen the other way.”
Perry is being held without bail in the Volusia County Jail, the station reported.
Image source: Volusia County, Florida Corrections
according to WKMG TelevisionPerry is charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, theft with assault or bodily injury, assault on a person 65 or older and resisting an officer without violence.
You can watch a video of WESH’s interview with McDaniels here hereBelow is police body camera footage of Perry’s arrest.
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