Man With Gun Rams Police Cars, Takes Off

Published on December 22, 2024

Date: December 22, 2024                                                 TIME: 3:15 p.m.

PIO #24-12-6                                                                     WPBPD Case #2024-0020202

MAN WITH GUN RAMS POLICE CARS, TAKES OFF

A 21-year-old man driving recklessly who almost hit a pedestrian and ran a stop sign was quickly, and safely, arrested after almost running over an officer and crashing into two police cars and fleeing after the traffic stop.

At 1:16 p.m. December 21, a 2020 Nissan Altima was stopped for almost hitting someone crossing the street and running a stop sign at Spruce Avenue and 20 Street. The driver, Jailen Tyree Lewis, of West Palm Beach, was seen driving recklessly before being pulled over. Lewis said he did not have a driver license and asked why he was being stopped. As Lewis was moving around in the driver’s seat, police saw a gun in his waistband. He refused to get out of the car, and fought with the officer before slamming the door and accelerating towards another officer who was arriving to assist. The officer had to jump out of the path of Lewis’ car to avoid being hit. Lewis then slammed into another officer’s car before striking a second patrol car that was parked. Lewis sped away north on Spruce Avenue.

Just after 2 p.m., officers spotted Lewis’ unoccupied, gray Nissan in the 400 block of Lilac Court, and arrested him without incident after he walked out of an apartment. A 9 mm pistol was recovered and taken into evidence. Lewis was booked into the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Main Detention Center and faces several felony charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated fleeing or eluding police, and carrying a concealed firearm during the commission of a felony. Lewis was also given citations for reckless driving, driving without a license, failing to stop at a stop sign, and leaving the scene of a crash with damage.     

Report suspicious activity and send pictures and video directly to the West Palm Beach police 911 Communications Center and Strategic Intelligence Center through the free SaferWatch app, at www.SaferwatchApp.com. It is also available through Google Play for Android, and the Apple Store for iPhones. Always call 911 for life-threatening, or in-progress crimes.    

 This release by:

Mike Jachles/PIO

  12/22/24 1500