Staff Reports

A routine traffic stop led to several tense moments, and a manhunt through a swampy area of DeFuniak Springs. At around 2:30 on the afternoon of July 14, a Walton County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull over the driver of an older model pick-up truck. Following a short pursuit, the suspect jumped out of his vehicle and ran into the woods off North 11th Street.
The Walton Correctional Institution K-9 team was called in to assist sheriff’s deputies and DeFuniak Springs police in the search.  A half-mile perimeter was placed around the area where the suspect was last seen in the woods.
After nearly an hour, the K-9 team located the suspect wading through a few feet of water about a mile off the roadway. He was then taken into custody, and arrested.  He has been identified as Devon Miller, 31, of Walton County’s Gaskin community.
Miller will face fleeing and attempting to elude, along with several traffic infractions. Additional charges are expected as well. This is not Miller’s first brush with the law. He previously has been arrested for DUI, and not having a valid driver’s license.
Miller was taken to Walton County Jail to await his first appearance in court.