March 16, 2004
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEARCHING FOR ESCAPED SUSPECT 

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a handcuffed man who escaped from deputies after being accused of participating in an early morning crime spree Tuesday near DeLand. Investigators hope that a reward of up to $1,000 will help bring in tips about the suspect’s whereabouts. The suspect and an accomplice are accused of stealing at least two vehicles, wrecking one of them and burglarizing a home. 

At approximately 2:45 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a single vehicle crash on Grand Avenue. Both passengers fled on foot before deputies arrived, but it was soon revealed that the vehicle had been stolen out of Lake County and was involved in a drive-off incident at a local gas station. While deputies searched for the pair, another call to the Sheriff’s Office at about 3:30 a.m. reported that a nearby home, also on Grand Avenue, had been burglarized. 

Based on descriptions of the suspects, deputies soon spotted the pair in another stolen vehicle as they drove by the scene of the original crash. Deputies stopped the vehicle and seized property stolen during the home break-in, including burglary tools and two swords. Both men were subsequently arrested. While questioning the other suspect, 29-year-old Clarence Bramlett escaped from the patrol car he was in. An extensive search was conducted, but Bramlett hasn’t been found. Investigators believe Bramlett may have made his getaway in a third vehicle that was reported stolen Tuesday morning from a nearby business, and deputies later found the truck. 

Edward Chicoine, of 32418 E. 2nd St., DeLand, was charged with possession of burglary tools, grand theft and armed burglary. He was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach on $5,000 bond. Tuesday afternoon, sheriff’s investigators obtained arrest warrants charging Bramlett with armed burglary, grand theft and escape. Bramlett is a white man, 5’8” tall and weighing about 150 pounds. His hair is brown and cut into a flat top. His last known address is 335 W. Wisconsin Ave., DeLand. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Bramlett is asked to contact Sheriff’s Sergeant Don Taylor at (386) 943-7866 or Crime Stoppers of Volusia & Flagler Counties toll-free at 1-888-277-TIPS. Caller to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.