Daytona Beach Chaos on I-95: Pursuit Ends in Shootout, Officer Injured and Suspect Burned
PORT ORANGE, Fla. – Daytona Beach breaking news: What began as a Sunday morning response to a neighbourhood shooting call quickly spiralled into a high-speed chase and a violent confrontation on Interstate 95, leaving a South Daytona police officer wounded and a suspect in critical condition with severe burns.
The chaotic series of events unfolded early on March 15, 2026, paralysing traffic near the interchange of I-95 and I-4 for hours as investigators worked to piece together a crime scene that spanned multiple jurisdictions.
The Initial Call: Country Lane
The violence began shortly before 6:00 a.m. when the Port Orange Police Department (POPD) received reports of a shooting at a residence off Country Lane. Upon arrival, officers determined that while shots had been fired, no one at the scene had been injured.
However, a suspect was quickly identified as 31-year-old Todd Anthony Martin. Before officers could secure the perimeter, Martin allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle, sparking a pursuit that moved rapidly toward the interstate.
The Pursuit and I-95 Crash
Officers from the South Daytona Police Department (SDPD) joined the Port Orange units as the chase transitioned onto Interstate 95 Northbound. The high-speed pursuit came to a violent end near the Beville Road exit when Martin’s vehicle crashed.
According to South Daytona Police Chief Joseph LaSata, the situation turned lethal the moment the vehicles came to a rest.
“The suspect’s vehicle crashed on Interstate 95 where he then opened fire at pursuing officers,” the POPD stated in an official release.
During the exchange of gunfire, Officer Jake Fessenden of the South Daytona Police Department was struck twice. Officers returned fire, hitting Martin.
A Fiery Conclusion
In a bizarre and desperate final act, Martin reportedly attempted to barricade himself inside a South Daytona patrol vehicle. While he was inside the cruiser, a fire broke out—preliminary reports suggest an electrical issue or damage sustained during the struggle—causing the vehicle to become engulfed in flames.
Martin was eventually extracted from the burning car but sustained severe burns over much of his body.
Status of the Involved Parties
As of Sunday evening, the community remains on edge, though officials provided a positive update regarding the wounded officer.
| Individual | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jake Fessenden | SDPD Officer | Stable; hospitalized with two gunshot wounds. |
| Todd Anthony Martin | Suspect | Critical; suffering from gunshot wounds and severe burns. |
Chief LaSata expressed relief during a Sunday afternoon press conference, stating that Officer Fessenden was “in good spirits” while awaiting surgery. “God was on his side today,” LaSata said. “He was hit twice in two critical areas, but we’re being told he’s in stable condition and he’s going to be fine.”
Traffic and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation caused massive gridlock throughout the day. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) typically investigates officer-involved shootings in the region and is expected to lead the inquiry into the use of force.
Motorists were advised to avoid the areas of:
- Interstate 95 Northbound (near Beville Road)
- Interstate 4 Eastbound ramps
- Beville Road
By late Sunday night, most lanes had been reopened, though a heavy police presence remained at the Country Lane residence and the crash site.
