An attempt to escape the law took an unexpected turn when quick-thinking deputies managed to outwit a suspect in a stolen BMW, resulting in his arrest for a series of charges, including aggravated battery on law enforcement officers.
The events unfolded on the evening of August 1, 2023, when a License Plate Reader (LPR) positioned along US Highway 441 picked up the license plate of a white BMW traveling northbound. Upon conducting a query, it was revealed that the BMW had been reported stolen from Orange County. The alert was promptly transmitted to local law enforcement officers.
In the early hours of the following day, around 1:00 AM, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputy received an alert on their in-car computer indicating that the stolen BMW was headed northbound on US 441 within Lake County. Responding to the alert, deputies began to converge on the area, closely monitoring the situation.
A break in the case came when a deputy spotted a white BMW making a turn from US 441 onto N New Hampshire Ave in Tavares. Suspecting it to be the stolen vehicle, deputies intensified their efforts to locate and contain the suspect.
Deputy Green, while patrolling in a fully marked LCSO patrol car, spotted a parked white BMW along Orange Avenue, facing southbound. The driver of the vehicle, seemingly aware of the police presence, turned off the headlights in an attempt to conceal the car.
Deputy Green swiftly positioned their patrol car in front of the BMW, only a foot away from its front bumper, effectively blocking any escape route. Simultaneously, Corporal Palmer positioned his patrol truck directly behind the BMW, creating an impromptu blockade.
With the patrol cars in position, Deputy Green activated the emergency blue lights, prompting the driver, identified as Aaquil Muhamad, to react. In an audacious attempt to flee, Muhamad shifted the stolen BMW into reverse, colliding with Corporal Palmer’s patrol truck before accelerating into Deputy Green’s patrol car in an attempt to escape.
Deputy Green’s quick thinking paid off, as they used their own vehicle to push the stolen BMW back into Corporal Palmer’s truck, effectively immobilizing the suspect’s car. The standoff culminated in Muhamad surrendering with raised hands and he was promptly apprehended.
A check of Muhamad’s Florida-issued ID card revealed a history of license suspensions, and he was subsequently arrested and issued a criminal citation for driving with a suspended license with knowledge. However, his attempt to flee led to additional charges.
Muhamad is now facing charges of aggravated battery on law enforcement officers for ramming two patrol cars during his escape attempt. Authorities believe that his actions, combined with the gloves, suggest an attempt to prevent leaving fingerprints within the stolen BMW.
Following his arrest, Muhamad was transported to the Lake County Jail without further incident.
Disclaimer: The details presented in this article are based on the police affidavit provided by the LCSO
