A two-and-a-half hour suspect chase through a wooded area in Palm Coast ended when a K-9 deputy took a bite out of crime -- and the suspect.

  • Flagler County Sheriff's Office suspect pursuit
  • Matthew Nesbitt accused of stealing car, threatening deputies
  • K-9 Deputy Marko bit Nesbitt's leg during chase

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office says Matthew Nesbitt, 44, abandoned a stolen vehicle and threatened deputies with a large knife Monday in Palm Coast's "Z" Section.

The ensuing chase shut down some areas and roads, including southbound Belle Terre Parkway, and delayed school bus drop-offs for Flagler County Schools.

Deputies on the K-9 team say they pursued Nesbitt until K-9 Deputy Marko and Cpl. Fred Gimbel caught him in the woods behind Zelda Court. 

Deputy Marko bit Nesbitt's leg. He was treated for his wounds at Florida Hospital Flagler before being sent to jail on grand theft auto, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest without violence and fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement.

Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly says Deputy Marko's actions should be a warning for "future dirtbags."

"If you threaten my deputies, we will come after you in full force and we will get you,” Staly said.