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Driver flees on foot after rolling car during police chase in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Volusia County investigators said a chase and a crash started with a reported armed assault at a fast-food restaurant in Daytona Beach late Tuesday night.

Employees told police a man, later identified as James Simmons, rolled up to the drive-through window of the McDonald's at Clyde Morris and International Speedway boulevards and pointed what appeared to be a semiautomatic handgun at them.

The report says Simmons became angry at the employee after Simmons was asked to leave for making rude comments in the drive-through window.

"Some poor person trying to make a living at McDonald's could have lost their life because he perceived being disrespected or didn't like the way his Happy Meal was presented to him," said Daytona Beach Police Chief Michael Chitwood.

The man then drove away in a red Nissan Altima, authorities said.

According to police, an officer later spotted the vehicle parking at a hotel on Bill France Boulevard. Police said when the officer tried to stop the vehicle it sped away and the officer began a pursuit.

"We have every right to chase you," said Chitwood. "That's what our policy says and that's what our officers did last night."

Authorities said the chase reached 120 mph on Interstate 95. In Port Orange, the driver sped north on Clyde Morris Boulevard where he eventually crashed and rolled the vehicle.

Law enforcement officials said Simmons jumped from the car and fled the area, but a female passenger remained in the vehicle and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the woman told them Simmons was driving and she let them search the car, where they found the handgun believed to have been shown at the McDonald's.

Authorities continue to look for Simmons, who they said has three prior felonies on his record.

Once arrested, police said Simmons will face new charges that include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.