Hit-and-run suspect tries to hide in attic of friend's home

LONGWOOD, Fla. — A suspect from a hit-and-run in Longwood was caught when he tried to hide in the attic of a Sanford home, authorities said Friday.

Police said earlier in the day, he hit an inmate working a construction detail near Raven Avenue and kept going.

Deputies swarmed the Sanford neighborhood Friday with rifles drawn and a helicopter chopper searching overhead.

They were hunting down an alleged violent fugitive hiding out at the home on Cyprus Avenue.

Authorities said earlier in the day, Stephen Wamley fled from an attempted traffic stop in Longwood near Raven Avenue and SR-1792. In the process, he hit the Department of Corrections inmate working a construction detail.

Authorities said they arrested Wamley, 30, and the owner of the house, Roger Dean, who allegedly tried to hide Wamley.

At Cyprus Avenue, deputies questioned Dean, who said he lied about Wamley's whereabouts.

Neighbors said they'd seen Wamley at the home for a few weeks.

Police said they searched the home and found Wamley crouching in the attic space.

"He had a right arm injury and a lower back injury," Kevin Tuck with the Longwood Police Department said.

Deputies searched Wamley's red Kia, and then towed it away from the scene.

The inmate, who was hit by Wamley's car, was hospitalized, but is expected to be OK.

WFTV found out Wamley was wanted for two outstanding warrants on drug trafficking charges in Volusia County, and for an armed home invasion in Sanford.

WFTV