Florida Man Driving Wrong Way to Flee Police Kills 71-Year-Old Hospital Volunteer in Deadly Crash, Prosecutors Say
VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA — A Miami man is facing first-degree murder charges after authorities say he drove the wrong way down an interstate while fleeing police and slammed head-on into a 71-year-old woman’s car, killing her instantly.
According to prosecutors, 40-year-old Stevens Charles was wanted in connection with a string of burglaries in nearby Flagler County when he led deputies on a reckless high-speed chase through Volusia County last month.
Chase Ends in Fatal Head-On Collision
The incident happened on September 16, when deputies attempted to pull over Charles’ Chevrolet Suburban along Interstate 95. Instead of stopping, Charles allegedly accelerated through heavy traffic, ignoring lights and sirens.
“He was traveling at a recklessly high speed, in congested traffic, with no regard for the safety of the motoring public or law enforcement officers,” the arrest affidavit stated.
Charles then exited the highway — only to re-enter going the wrong way down an exit ramp on the northbound side, investigators said. Moments later, he collided head-on with a Volkswagen Beetle driven by 71-year-old Julia Wagner.
The impact crushed Wagner’s small vehicle, leaving her critically injured. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.
Victim Remembered as Beloved Hospital Volunteer
Prosecutor R.J. Larizza said Wagner was on her way home from volunteering at a local hospital when she was struck.
“Imagine this: coming off the interstate, getting ready to go home, and all of a sudden, here comes this Suburban coming up the wrong way,” Larizza said. “She just didn’t have a chance.”
Wagner’s obituary described her as a devoted wife and longtime community volunteer, known for her booming laugh, love of travel, and deep Catholic faith.
“Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she lived it with joy, generosity, and grace,” her family wrote.
Suspect Faces Life in Prison
After the crash, Charles and two passengers fled on foot but were soon caught and arrested by deputies.
Charles now faces multiple charges, including:
- First-degree felony murder
- Aggravated fleeing and eluding
- Leaving the scene of a crash with death
- Resisting arrest
He remains jailed without bond at the Volusia County Jail, and prosecutors say he faces life in prison if convicted.
“He could have simply stopped,” Larizza said. “Instead, he made choices that cost a good woman her life.”
Charles’ next court appearance is scheduled for October 14.
This tragic case underscores the deadly consequences of reckless high-speed chases and the selfless lives lost because of them. For ongoing updates on major crime investigations and justice news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.