When evading arrest, most criminals have a getaway vehicle of choice. This year alone, we've seen cars, trucks and even lawnmowers used in police chases.
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A Florida man thought outside of the box for his escape route and tried flying away from police.
Not flying an aircraft, by the way. Just flying.
Sanford Police said they responded to an incident on Sept. 13 at a residence in which a man with an active warrant refused to leave the property.
When police arrived, Marquis Thurton tried to execute an aerial escape that resulted in a trip to the hospital.
Sanford Police poked fun at his aviation attempt on social media.
"On September 13, 2026, at approximately p.m., officers responded to a residence regarding a person with an active warrant who was refusing to leave the property. Upon arrival, officers encountered Marquis Thurton, who attempted to evade arrest," Sanford PD wrote on
Facebook."However, his escape attempt came to an unexpected end when he appeared to believe he could fly away from our officers. Thurton was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. He was subsequently arrested on the following charges: Resisting an Officer with Violence Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer An active warrant."
Before gravity brought him to an abrupt landing, Thurton allegedly leaped through a window.
WFTV reported that he was taken to a hospital for medical treatment before being arrested.
Evading Arrest Carries Steep Penalty in Florida
Thurton now faces charges of resisting an officer with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer, both of which are third-degree felonies under Florida law.
Resisting an officer with violence under Florida Statute 843.01 carries maximum penalties of up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine, according to Hussein & Webber, PL.
Battery on a law enforcement officer under Florida Statute 784.07 reclassifies what would normally be a misdemeanor into its own third-degree felony. It is punishable by up to five years in state prison and a $5,000 fine, per Hanlon Law.
Public records have not yet indicated a court date for Thurton.
