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A 41-year-old man accused of yanking a woman from her vehicle and sparking a high-speed chase that topped 137 mph in Volusia County will remain behind bars without bond. A judge issued the order Friday, citing the suspect’s flight risk and the violent nature of the alleged crime.
Scott Taylor, the suspect, had been fleeing from Florida Highway Patrol troopers when he targeted a car near Destination Daytona, according to court documents obtained by FOX 35. Body camera footage released by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office shows Taylor sprinting toward the vehicle, forcing the woman out, and speeding away.
The woman, whose name has not been released, was not physically injured but was visibly shaken, authorities said. “She was just trying to get home from work,” a sheriff’s spokesperson noted. “This could have ended much worse.”
Chase reaches 137 mph
What followed was a pursuit that tore across Volusia County, with Taylor hitting speeds of 137 mph on Interstate 95. A truck driver who witnessed the final crash described the chaos to FOX 35.
“The car basically came off the interstate, came across the median to the wrong side of the road, clipped the dump truck in front of me and lost control of the vehicle on the shoulder, came in sideways and hit the front of my truck,” the driver said.
The dump truck driver, who declined to be named, also told investigators that the stolen car narrowly missed other vehicles before the crash. No one was seriously injured, though the stolen car was totaled.
Driver describes attempted carjacking
After the crash, Taylor attempted to commandeer another vehicle. The truck driver said Taylor got out of the wrecked car and tried to open his truck door. “When he could not enter my vehicle, he ran straight back,” the driver said.
Body camera footage shows officers chasing Taylor on foot and repeatedly ordering him to get on the ground. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Wife apologizes to victims
Taylor’s wife appeared in court Friday and later told FOX 35 that the behavior was “out of character.” She described him as a “stand-up husband and father” and apologized to the victims.
“I am so sorry that that happened to you. I thank the Lord that no one was hurt,” she said. “It’s so unfortunate and it’s so sad.”
She declined to comment further, citing the ongoing legal process.
New developments: Victim speaks out, safety concerns raised
Since the initial incident, the carjacking victim has released a statement through her attorney, expressing gratitude that no one was killed but demanding accountability. “No one should fear for their life while sitting in their own car,” the statement read.
Local safety advocates have also weighed in, urging drivers to keep doors locked and remain alert, especially near highway exits. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said it plans to review pursuit policies following the incident, though officials noted that the high-speed chase was justified given the suspect’s violent actions.
Legal expert weighs in
Criminal defense attorney Mark Rivera, who is not involved in the case, said the no-bond decision is typical for suspects facing multiple felony charges, including carjacking, fleeing law enforcement, and reckless driving. “The judge saw a pattern of extreme disregard for public safety,” Rivera said. “Bond would be a risk to the community.”
Taylor is also facing a charge of resisting arrest without violence. He is scheduled to appear in court again next week for a formal arraignment.
What’s next
Taylor remains in the Volusia County jail. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. The carjacking victim has requested privacy but is receiving support from victim services.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Ormond Beach Police Department, and New Smyrna Beach Police Department all contributed to the arrest. The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the initial pursuit.
This story was updated on April 15, 2025, to include the victim’s statement and expert analysis.
