Update In Armed Carjacking: 1 Suspect Identified; Search Warrant Executed Friday

Date Added: December 14, 2018 5:17 pm

Laura Williams,
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

UPDATE: SUSPECT WANTED IN RECENT DELTONA ARMED CARJACKING
Search Warrant Results in 2 Unrelated Arrests, Narcotics Seized

Volusia County sheriff’s detectives, the Deltona Narcotics Unit and the VCSO SWAT team executed a search warrant early Friday at the home of a suspect wanted in the Dec. 5 armed carjacking of a young woman in Deltona.

Ruben Morales, 21 (DOB 11/03/1997), of 2348 Butterfield St., Deltona, is wanted in the armed carjacking, which occurred in the 3000 block of Sanborn Lane just before midnight, Dec. 5.

Friday’s search at Morales’ home did not produce any of the three carjacking suspects. However, two residents of the home were arrested and charged with crimes unrelated to the carjacking.

Joseph Brian Valentine, 49, (DOB 12/1/1969) was charged with five counts of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of marijuana under 20g. He is held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on $25,500 bail.  Jihad William Morales, 18, (DOB: 09/04/2000)  is charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana; possession with intent to sell marijuana; possession of paraphernalia and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon (Delinquent). His bail is set at $28,000.

In addition to the arrests, two rifles, four handguns, more than 150 rounds of ammunition, nearly 2 pounds of marijuana, and more than $4,000 were seized.

Anyone who knows of Ruben Morales’ whereabouts is asked to call 911. Or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at www.northeastflorida.crimestoppersweb.com, or call 1-(888) 277-8477 (TIPS). You could be eligible for a cash reward.

The original Dec. 6 news release appears below:

Laura Williams
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

Teen Unhurt in Armed Carjacking in Deltona; 3 Suspects Sought

A 19-year-old Deltona woman was carjacked in her driveway just before midnight Wednesday when two males pointed guns at her and demanded her vehicle.

The victim was returning from work in the 3000 block of Sanborn Lane, Deltona.  She was sitting in the vehicle when the two males approached and asked if she would help jump-start their vehicle. She declined, prompting the males to pull their weapons and demand that she get out of the car, which she did.

The suspects quickly fled the area, along with a third male who the victim saw walking on Sanborn Lane. The stolen vehicle is a 2002 white, 4-door Ford Escort with Florida tag JELH76. It has a Michigan State college tag on the front.

Anyone with information about this crime or who spots the vehicle is asked to call 911. Or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at www.northeastflorida.crimestoppersweb.com, or call 1-888-277-8477 (TIPS). You could be eligible for a cash reward.