Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle in Escambia County Ends with Two Arrested, Stolen Gun Recovered

Escambia County, FL (BuzzReport) — A vehicle pursuit involving a stolen car ended with two arrests after deputies located the vehicle through a license plate reader and tracked it through a residential neighborhood, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the incident began on March 11, 2026, when a vehicle was reported stolen out of Port St. Lucie, Florida. The following day, on March 12, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy was alerted by a license plate reader that the stolen vehicle had entered the area.

Shortly afterward, the deputy spotted the vehicle — identified as a white Nissan Versa — traveling westbound on Olive Road. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, prompting a vehicle pursuit.

According to officials, the pursuit continued along Burgess Road as deputies attempted to stop the vehicle. During the chase, deputies attempted to use a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, but the effort was unsuccessful.

The driver eventually turned onto Born Drive, which is a dead-end street. Investigators say the suspect then drove through the backyard of a residence, striking a playhouse before continuing into a wooded area behind the property. The vehicle ultimately came to a stop in the tree line.

Deputies issued commands for both occupants to exit the vehicle. The driver and passenger complied and were taken into custody without further incident.

A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun that had also been reported stolen from Port St. Lucie. Deputies also discovered a glass pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine inside the vehicle.

The driver was identified as 29-year-old Michael Andre Peavy Jr., who investigators say is a convicted felon. Peavy was charged with the following offenses:

• Fleeing and Eluding
• Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
• Grand Theft of a Firearm
• Two Counts of Possession of a Weapon and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
• Felony Criminal Mischief

The passenger, 22-year-old Lilian McDaniel, was also arrested. She faces the following charges:

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Two Counts of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon

Both suspects were transported to the Escambia County Jail. Authorities have not released additional details about the ongoing investigation.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the case highlights the effectiveness of license plate reader technology in helping deputies quickly locate stolen vehicles and apprehend suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing.