Woman pepper sprayed, carjacked after offering teen a ride, deputies say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A good deed by an Apopka woman turned into a crime of opportunity for her attacker, deputies said.

Orange County deputies said Eileen Pagan was at a gas station near North Orange Blossom Trail and Plymouth Sorrento Road just after 10 a.m. Wednesday when she agreed to give a teenager a ride.

But deputies said the teenager, Deon Sykes, 14, became violent and pepper sprayed and punched Pagan in the face.

Deputies said she was forced out of her vehicle as the suspect drove away with her two dogs still in the back seat.

Deputies were able to chase Sykes and eventually used a PIT maneuver, or precision immobilization technique, to stop him.

The victim’s dogs were no longer in the car.

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The suspect’s family, who asked not to be identified, said the crime is connected to gang activity.

Residents in Rock Springs Mobile Home Park where the suspect’s family lives said it’s not the first time there’s been trouble in the area.

Deputies said they need help finding the victim’s dogs.

They did not provide a picture of the animals but said one is a white Chihuahua with tan markings and the other is a white poodle mix.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office.

Cox Media Group