Deputies save woman being chased at gunpoint by estranged boyfriend, sheriff says

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — On Friday, FCSO received a 911 call from a woman stating she had received multiple threatening text messages from her estranged long time boyfriend, Aaron Thayer.

When deputies arrived at the victim’s home, she showed them the text messages sent by Thayer. According to deputies, the texts were graphic and threatening in nature, making the victim fear for her life.

The victim told deputies that Thayer was in Connecticut for work, but believed he was on his way back to Florida to kill her. The victim also told deputies that Thayer installed security cameras to “keep tabs on her.” Deputies said the victim pointed out the “blind spots” and asked to speak there because she believed Thayer was currently watching.

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According to deputies, while they were speaking to the victim, she continued to receive threatening calls and messages from Thayer. At one point, while on the phone, deputies heard Thayer ask who was at the house and tell her he was on his way to kill her.

The victim hung up the phone and disconnected the cameras.

Detectives with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant for the arrest of Thayer for sending written threats to Kill with nationwide extradition. Multiple units from FCSO began trying to track Thayer down. Detective even contacted the U.S. Marshal’s Office for assistance when Thayer thwarted FCSO’s attempt to locate him.

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On Saturday, deputies checked on the woman’s house multiple times and just after 3 p.m., the woman called 911 and told dispatchers Thayer was trying to break into her house with a tire iron.

After forcing his way through the back door of the house, Thayer threatened to kill the woman, deputies said.

According to deputies, Thayer then went into the bedroom, took $400 and a firearm that was on the woman’s nightstand, cocked it, and began chasing after the victim.

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As deputies on a nearby call arrived on scene, the woman ran out of the house with Thayer chasing her. Deputies had her hide behind the patrol car as they confronted Thayer and attempted to take him into custody.

Thayer resisted and was tased by police, deputies said. A loaded handgun and folding knife were found on him.

“The Easter Bunny came early for the victim, called Deputyies Jen Prevatt and Ed Faircloth,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This guy told the victim he was going to kill her and less than 24 hours later, he had driven all night and was at her door to kill her. I am so thankful that my deputies were able to intercept this guy and used their training, tactics and de-escalation techniques before he was able to hurt anyone. They handled a very volatile and dangerous situation by running toward danger to protect the victim. This situation that could have had an entirely different outcome with either the victim, suspect or deputies injured or killed if not for the heroic efforts of our deputies.”

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Thayer is currently being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He is charged with written threats to kill, attempted premeditated murder with a firearm, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon, petit theft and resisting arrest without violence.

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