Living in Port Orange

10/15/2026

Press / Media Release from today's incident

On October 15, 2026, at 1018 hours, The Port Orange Police Department (POPD) received a call regarding a domestic disturbance at a residence on Tall Pine Drive in the Deep Forest subdivision in Port Orange. Upon our officers arriving on scene, a male resident, Eric Johnson (36), exited the residence and claimed his wife, Jennifer Halbrook (54), was armed with a knife inside and made multiple attempts to light the house on fire. Jennifer Halbrook then exited the residence and began walking toward officers with a large, bladed object in her hand holding it over her head in an aggressive manner. Officers ordered Jennifer Halbrook to drop the object, which she refused and retreated back into the residence. Law Enforcement Officials from the Southeast Volusia Reginal (SEVR) SWAT, and the Coastal Crisis Negotiations Team (CCNT) responded to assist. After lengthy negotiations, a peaceful resolution was reached, Jennifer Halbrook exited the residence without any further incident and was taken into custody and placed under arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Eric Johnson was also arrested for resisting officers without violence during the onset of the investigation. The area has been declared clear, and there is no further threat to the community stemming from this matter.

For any further press inquiries, please contact The POPD Public Affairs Office through Michael Wallace at 386-506-5885. Should anyone have additional information regarding the case investigation, please contact the case agent, POPD Detective Schnibben at 386-506-5886.

10/14/2026

A 64-year-old Corvette driver has been sentenced to 47 years in prison for a deadly crash on A1A that killed an Ormond-by-the-Sea couple.

Scott March was driving 110 mph when he slammed into the couple’s Jeep while trying to pass in a no-passing zone.

Thomas and Julia Lauck, 72 and 73, were both killed.

March pleaded no contest to two counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of DUI manslaughter.

More from the family of the victims tonight on WFTV Channel 9

09/22/2026

MISSING PERSON- PO260004975

James Sandefur (50) was last seen in the area of Spruce Creek Road and Nova Road wearing a white button-down long-sleeve shirt, dark blue jeans, and boots. James is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs 175 lbs. James does not take any life-sustaining medications and is a known transient in the Port Orange and Daytona Beach area.

If you know the whereabouts of James or have seen him, please contact the Port Orange Police Department through the Volusia Communications Center at (386)248-1777.

09/19/2026

Have you heard the news? Aunt Catfish’s on the River was sold — but have no fear, this beloved Port Orange restaurant isn't expected to change. As for Catfish Commons, where the restaurant is located, there may be updates on the horizon that will strengthen its waterfront character and also add residences.

To learn more, read our free article. Link in the comments.

09/10/2026

On July 20th, 2026 the Port Orange Police Department Criminal Investigations Division was notified of an of an alleged inappropriate relationship between an adult coach at Bully Me Now Jiujitsu, Estevan Gabriel Martinez-Garcia (03/28/1993), and a juvenile student that trained at the academy.

The Port Orange Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Unit took lead on investigating the allegations to determine if any crimes had been committed. After weeks of investigations and interviews, the ICAC division was able to obtain an arrest warrant for Martinez-Garcia. Based on the evidence obtained by detectives, between Spring 2025-Spring 2026 Martinez-Garcia engaged in grooming behavior that included sexual contact with the then 16-year-old juvenile victim, as well as sending sexual images to the juvenile victim.

Through multiple investigative leads, detectives determined that Martinez-Garcia (who no longer resides in Florida) was most likely residing somewhere in the area of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

With the assistance of the Fugitive Apprehension Support Team (FAST) from Albuquerque Police Department, Martinez-Garcia was located and taken into custody on September 9th. A Port Orange Police Department ICAC Detective flew to Albuquerque on September 9th, was on scene during the apprehension of Martinez-Garcia, and was able to obtain a full confession.

Estevan Martinez-Garcia has been charged with:

1. SEXUAL BATTERY BY OFFENDER 24 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER ON A VICTIM 16 OR 17 YEARS OF AGE (F.S. 794.05 1)
2. UNLAWFUL USE OF TWO-WAY COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE (F.S. 934.215)
3. HARMFUL EXPLICIT COMMUNICATION TO A MINOR (F.S. 847.01385 2)
4. LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS BEHAVIOR - WRITTEN SOLICITATION OF A MINOR (F.S. 794.053)

This successful investigation is another example of the commitment and expertise of the dedicated detectives of The Port Orange Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children. We will leave no stone unturned to protect our children against predators.

09/09/2026