NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A New Smyrna Beach driveway encounter ended in the wetlands of Canaveral National Seashore Wednesday evening, when Volusia deputies arrested a wanted man after a three-hour search involving K-9 and drone units.
Bradford Kanan was found crawling through palm fronds after authorities say he threatened to shoot two deputies, fled in his truck and then ran into the brush.
The incident began when a New Smyrna Beach homeowner reported a suspicious person in their driveway. Deputies identified the truck as belonging to Kanan and determined he had an active warrant for domestic battery.
Kanan refused commands and threatened the deputies, authorities said.
“I have a weapon in the car if you don’t get back,” Kanan said. He then threatened, “I’m going to shoot you if you don’t get the f---- back.”
Kanan drove south to Canaveral National Seashore, where he abandoned his truck and fled on foot.
K-9 and drone units searched the area for three hours before finding him in the wetlands. As a police dog helped apprehend him, a deputy ordered Kanan to show his hands and stop fighting the dog.
Authorities say Kanan also struck a law enforcement officer after he was handcuffed.
Kanan later appeared before a judge on charges including two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing, battery on a police K-9, battery on a law enforcement officer and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faced the outstanding domestic battery warrant.
A judge ordered him held without bond on two of the charges.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
