Man Arrested After Car Found Flipped in Merritt Island Canal

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A 43-year-old Merritt Island man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and fleeing law enforcement after a chase that ended with his car flipped over in a canal. The incident began when customers reported a possible battery in the drive-through of a local KFC, leading deputies to the scene where the suspect rammed a patrol vehicle before fleeing.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of high-speed chases and the potential for violence when law enforcement responds to reports of domestic violence. The fact that the suspect's car ended up in the canal also raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash and the condition of the passenger.

The details

According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a KFC in Merritt Island after customers reported seeing a man beating a woman in the passenger seat of a white vehicle in the drive-through. When deputies arrived, the man, identified as 43-year-old John Lucas, rammed his car into a patrol vehicle and fled the scene. The chase ended with Lucas' car flipped over in a nearby canal, though it's unclear how the vehicle ended up in the water. Lucas is now facing charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, and fleeing law enforcement. The condition of the woman in the car with him remains unknown.

• The incident occurred on Monday, April 8, 2026.

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the chase and the condition of the woman in the car with the suspect.