Four Daytona Beach Teens Arrested After Carjacking, Police Chase

The incident ended in a crash and foot pursuit, with police recovering a handgun and other items from the stolen vehicle.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Four teenagers from Daytona Beach, Florida were arrested on February 14th following an armed carjacking that led to a multi-agency police pursuit. The chase ended when the stolen vehicle crashed into a road sign, disabling the car. Two of the suspects fled on foot but were later apprehended, while the other two were taken into custody at the scene. Police recovered a handgun, ski masks, and gloves from the vehicle.

Why it matters

Carjackings and police pursuits pose significant risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the need for continued coordination between law enforcement agencies to address such crimes in the Daytona Beach area. The recovery of a firearm and other items also raises concerns about the potential for violence and the broader issue of youth involvement in serious criminal activity.

The details

According to authorities, the incident began when the Daytona Beach Police Department issued an alert about a vehicle that had been carjacked at gunpoint. Officers later located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver fled, leading to a pursuit through the city. The chase ended when the stolen vehicle crashed into a road sign, disabling the car. Two of the four individuals inside the vehicle then fled on foot, but were later apprehended. A search of the vehicle uncovered a Canik 9mm handgun, as well as ski masks and gloves.

  • The incident began on February 14, 2026 after Daytona Beach police issued an alert about an armed carjacking.
  • The police pursuit took place later that same day, February 14, 2026.
  • The stolen vehicle crashed and the suspects were arrested on February 14, 2026.

The players

Terrez Thomas

An 18-year-old resident of Daytona Beach who was identified as the driver of the stolen vehicle and charged with armed carjacking and fleeing from law enforcement.

Ter'zarius Thomas

A 16-year-old resident of Daytona Beach who was a passenger in the stolen vehicle and charged with armed carjacking.

Javari Ford

A 16-year-old resident of Daytona Beach who was a passenger in the stolen vehicle and charged with armed carjacking.

Cherod Butler

A 15-year-old resident of Daytona Beach who was a passenger in the stolen vehicle and charged with armed carjacking.

Daytona Beach Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that issued the initial alert about the carjacking and led the pursuit of the stolen vehicle.

Volusia Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that assisted the Daytona Beach Police Department in the pursuit and apprehension of the suspects.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Terrez Thomas, the driver, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing carjackings and high-speed pursuits, which can endanger both officers and the public. It also raises concerns about youth involvement in serious criminal activity and the need for continued coordination between agencies to enhance public safety in the Daytona Beach area.