Kissimmee Man Arrested After Kidnapping Two 4-Year-Olds and Fleeing in Stolen Car

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. — A Kissimmee man faces a litany of felony charges after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle with two kidnapped four-year-old children inside. The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Jerome Ralph Garvin, was arrested on November 27, 2024, following a coordinated effort by regional law enforcement.

The Kidnapping and Stolen Vehicle Report

The incident began when the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office received a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert from neighboring Hendry County regarding a recently stolen vehicle. Crucially, the vehicle was reported to have two four-year-old children inside, who had been kidnapped during the theft. Deputies quickly mobilized, patrolling major routes to intercept the vehicle.

High-Speed Chase and Reckless Abandonment

A DeSoto County deputy spotted the stolen car traveling on Highway 17 and attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, Garvin accelerated, leading deputies and local police on a pursuit. In a shocking turn of events, as the chase progressed into the city limits of Arcadia, Garvin reportedly bailed out of the driver's seat, abandoning the stolen vehicle while it was still in motion with the toddlers unsecured inside.

Deputies and officers from the Arcadia Police Department rushed to secure the rolling vehicle. Fortunately, the car came to a stop without colliding with any bystanders or structures, and the two children were safely recovered without physical injury.

Apprehension and Serious Charges

Garvin attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly tracked down and apprehended by law enforcement officers. Following his arrest, Garvin was booked into the DeSoto County Jail, where he is being held on multiple charges, including:

• Grand theft of a motor vehicle
• Fleeing or eluding law enforcement officers
• Child neglect without great bodily harm
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage
• Resisting arrest without violence
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office and DeSoto County Sheriff's Office are continuing their joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the initial vehicle theft and kidnapping.