LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County deputies said a man who fled after assaulting a woman in Eustis on Sunday hid improvised explosive devices inside the home before he left.
The sheriff’s Office said David Flores, 37, was taken into custody early Wednesday in Sorrento. And on Wednesday afternoon, deputies said they received a call from the home on Bates Avenue where they said the assault occurred reporting someone had found improvised explosive devices.
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Deputies said inside the home they found firework mortars with shrapnel taped to them, as well as a wick.
“This whole situation has been quite bizarre from the get-go,” Lt. John Herrell said. “What it looks like is it looks like they are firework mortars, with some shrapnel taped around them with a wick. So it looks like it would be something that he could use as a weapon if needed.”
Deputies said they believe Flores brought the explosives to the home before attacking the person inside.
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Deputies began searching for Flores on Sunday evening around Bates Avenue in Eustis after they said he left the scene and ran into a nearby wooded area.
LCSO alerted the public that he was “possibly armed and dangerous.”
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On Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office said investigators received information that Flores was at a home in Sorrento. When deputies arrived to search the property, they said he ran off again.
A Sheriff’s Office K-9 caught up with Flores, who was hiding in a hole where some trees had been cleared, officials said.
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They said he was treated for minor injuries before being booked into jail.
Investigators have charged Flores with resisting arrest, and said they served a warrant revoking bond on a previous grand theft charge.
LCSO said more charges against Flores are pending, including federal charges for having the improvised explosive devices.
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