A 29-year-old man accused of prowling was arrested after he was caught peering into windows in a DeBary neighborhood before trying to hide in a swamp.
Steven P. Johnson was arrested on Friday, January 27, and again on Monday, January 30 by Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies on multiple counts of stalking, loitering/prowling, and resisting arrest.
According to police, on January 21, residents along Bayern Lane in DeBary reported that an unknown male was peering into residential windows on three separate occasions.
Police established extra patrol in the area and on January 26, at around 9 p.m., a VCSO sergeant observed an unknown male appear from in-between two houses. The area was not well lit and had little to no ambient lighting, according to the VCSO report.
The subject, later identified as Johnson, began walking eastbound on the sidewalk. The sergeant hid on a nearby porch and watched Johnson as he turned around and drew closer. As Johnson approached, the sergeant exited from behind the pillar and began speaking with Johnson.
The officer attempted to ask Johnson where he was coming from, at which point Johnson began picking up his pace until he began running.
Additional deputies were called to the scene and established a perimeter. A drone was deployed and Johnson was eventually located in the deep woods, laying in a swampy area in order to conceal himself.
Johnson was secured and escorted out of the woods.
During questioning, Johnson admitted to fleeing and stated he was just trying to go home. He admitted to peering into occupied residential windows and claimed he had a “mental illness” and “uncontrollable urges.”
According to police, Johnson lives about a 5-minute walk from the victim’s home.
After he was released on Friday after posting bail, Johnson was rearrested on Monday. He posted $1,000 bail and was released again overnight.
Johnson has been served an injunction for protection by the victim and is facing multiple charges. He was scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Tuesday.