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Deputies: Man wearing bulletproof vest shoots at women, leads deputies on pursuit

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A man wearing a bulletproof vest shot at two women, including his girlfriend, with a BB gun Monday morning near DeLand before leading deputies on a chase that ended in a fiery crash in Lake County, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies said a passing motorist called 911 shortly after 8:30 a.m. to report that an armed man was arguing with two women near Tractor Supply Co. at North Woodland Boulevard and Glenwood Road.

Investigators said Mark Sykora, 38, shot at the women, but they weren’t wounded.

Raw video: Law enforcement chases shooting suspect in Volusia County

Witnesses who called 911 said the women were screaming for help.

“There’s some kind of grey car in there with girls running out waving in the street,” said the caller. “Please sent an officer. I don’t know if someone is trying to hurt them.”

When deputies arrived, they said Sykora had already fled in a vehicle.

DeLand police spotted the fleeing suspect on 17th Street, but they Sykora wouldn’t stop when they tried to pull him over.

Investigators said the pursuit continued until Sykora crashed 13 miles away at Fonseca Lane and Division Street in Lake County’s Pine Lakes neighborhood.

Sykora ditched the vehicle, which caught fire, and fled into a nearby wooded area, officials said.

Deputies said K-9 units found Sykora at about 9:30 a.m. and he was taken into custody.

Investigators said Sykora is expected to face aggravated assault and fleeing and eluding charges.

Deputies said Sykora and his girlfriend were arguing before the incident. It's not clear why they were in the woods or how the other woman was involved.

Other Volusia County stories:

Deputies: Woman being investigated after son, 7, found home alone while she worked

Deputies save falconers targeted by gunfire in the woods

Police: Family argument leads to fatal shooting