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Police pursuit of felon ends in woman's yard, leaving her without a drivable car

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Published  January 14, 2025 11:37pm EST
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

Police pursuit ends in woman's yard, destroying her car

A high-speed police chase through Orlando ended in a woman’s front yard, leaving her car severely damaged and her insurance unable to cover the costs.

The Brief

    • A police chase in Orlando ended with a crash in Marissa Jones' front yard, leaving her car heavily damaged and her insurance unable to cover the costs.
    • The suspect, Shani Love, fled from police after being stopped for a suspended license, eventually crashing and abandoning a firearm at the scene before being arrested.
    • Jones, stuck with thousands in repair costs, hopes Love will be held accountable as he faces charges including fleeing, possession of a firearm by a felon, and hit-and-run.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A high-speed police chase through Orlando ended in a woman’s front yard, leaving her car severely damaged and her insurance unable to cover the costs.

Police pursuit ends in crash

What we know:

The incident began when an officer stopped 36-year-old Shani Love for allegedly driving with a suspended license. 

According to court documents, Love refused to exit the vehicle and sped off, fleeing about a quarter of a mile before crashing into Marissa Jones' front yard.

After the crash, Love fled the scene, leaving behind a firearm. Jones was told to stay inside her home as authorities tracked Love's scent with dogs. Love was later arrested and faces multiple charges, including fleeing or eluding, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, tampering with evidence, and hit-and-run.

What they're saying:

With only liability insurance on her Honda, Jones now faces thousands of dollars in repairs, as her policy does not cover damage from a police chase.  Jones expressed frustration over the situation. 

"I’m paying for his decision because I didn’t do nothing, and I keep playing it in my head, like what I could have done differently, but there’s nothing. Just nothing," Jones said.

Jones, unable to afford the repairs, is hoping Love will be held accountable for the damage. "Just make it right," she said.

What's next:

Love has posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 22.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Orlando Police Department and Marissa Jones, whose car was damaged following a police pursuit that ended her front yard.

Orange CountyOrlandoCrime and Public Safety