Reginald Lamar Harris : “Volusia, Flagler Sheriffs Sued for Fatal Chase Incident”

An incident involving a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Interstate-95 has resulted in three lawsuits being filed in Volusia County Circuit Court. The lawsuits allege negligence and carelessness on the part of deputies from both Volusia and Flagler counties, leading to a tragic crash that claimed the lives of two siblings and injured two others.

The first lawsuit was filed in 2022 by the parents of Domynick Donald Milis, 21, and Danycka Rose Marie Milis, 18, who were killed in the December 2020 crash. Subsequent lawsuits were filed in 2023 on behalf of the minor sibling and a cousin who was also injured in the incident.

According to the lawsuits, deputies violated pursuit policies by engaging in a high-speed chase that ultimately led to the fatal crash. The defendants named in the lawsuits include Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and Volusia County.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The fatal crash occurred when a stolen car driven by Reginald Lamar Harris, who was fleeing from deputies, collided with another vehicle on I-95. Harris, a career criminal, had stolen the vehicle and was driving recklessly without headlights or taillights.

Despite efforts by law enforcement to stop Harris, the pursuit continued, leading to the devastating collision that claimed the lives of the Milis siblings and injured others.

Both Volusia and Flagler counties have denied the allegations of negligence, citing sovereign immunity. However, the lawsuits argue that the deputies’ actions deviated from accepted standards of care and put other motorists at risk.

Legal Proceedings and Responses

The lawsuits are set to go to trial, with all parties agreeing to consolidate the cases into one. While a settlement offer was made in 2023, the details remain undisclosed.

Volusia and Flagler counties maintain that their actions were justified given the circumstances of the pursuit and the threat posed by Harris. They argue that any fault lies with Harris for his reckless behaviour.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the families of the victims seek justice and accountability for the tragic loss they have suffered.