Johnathan Costa, 19, has been arrested in Florida after authorities say he stole a Ferrari during a home invasion. (Flagler County Sheriff's Office)
Flager County, Fla.
Florida authorities say a home invasion suspect was arrested this week after stealing a Ferrari and leading them on a high-speed pursuit.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Johnathan Costa was wanted out of Rhode Island in connection to an armed home invasion when deputies were informed he was heading into Flager County on Tuesday.
The sheriff’s office said Costa drove into their jurisdiction that afternoon after evading police in another county on Interstate 95 while traveling at speeds of more than 100 mph.
With help from the Florida Highway Patrol, stop sticks were placed on multiple roadways in the vehicle’s direction of travel as deputies attempted to stop Costa.
The 19-year-old managed to get away, but with the help of multiple agencies in the area, they were able to track down the stolen Ferrari in a Palm Coast neighborhood.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said Costa attempted to hide the vehicle by covering it up with tarps at a friend’s residence, but the Ferrari was still visible from the road.
Deputies set up a perimeter around the home and made announcements to Costa to exit. Shortly after, the suspect exited the residence and was taken into police custody without incident.
“Time and time again, criminals make the mistake of entering Flagler County, but it’s not every day they do it in a stolen Ferrari. So let this be a lesson … not even a Ferrari is fast enough to escape from the law,” Staly said.
Costa is facing numerous charges that include entering a dwelling with felonious intent, using a firearm when committing a crime of violence and vehicle theft.
“This criminal clearly had no regard for others as he traveled at extremely dangerous speeds, even in a school zone, and put everyone on the road around him in danger,” Staly said. “Frankly, he’s lucky to be behind bars instead of dead behind the wheel or facing even more serious charges.”
Costa is currently being held without bail at the Flagler County jail.