BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A suspect is now in custody -- following a police pursuit -- in connection to a suspicious Titusville death Thursday morning, where the body of a man was found inside a home, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
- Man's body found inside home near Titusville
- Daniel Blair, 40, arrested in Ormond Beach in connection to death
- Blair was pursued by police, later arrested after crashing into pole
Daniel Blair, 40, of Mims, is facing felony murder, burglary, and robbery charges after he was taken into custody by Ormond Beach Police with assistance the U.S. Marshal's Task Force.
Deputies received a call just after 9 a.m. about a dead man at a residence on Kirby Drive, just north of Titusville. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the body of a man inside the home.
According to investigators, Blair allegedly broke into63-year-old Christopher Johnston's home and attempted to rob him. Johnston was ultimately killed.
Following the alleged murder, detectives say they believe Blair told someone he killed Johnston and was leaving the area. Before leaving, he stole Johnston's pickup truck.
Around 5 p.m. in Ormond Beach, police spotted Blair in the stolen truck. Blair reportedly fled after officers tried to arrest him, but he soon after crashed the pickup into a power pole on A1A and was taken into custody by authorities.
Father Rob Goodridge of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church said Johnston was a friend and recovering addict.
Goodridge said he became concerned when Johnston didn't show up this morning to volunteer at the church's food bank.
"He has been a magnificent specimen of what it is to be sober, and to give back to the community so others can get sober as well," Goodridge said.
The church gathered to celebrate his birthday just a few days ago.
Blair is currently in Ormond Beach Police custody and will be extradited to Brevard County. He also faces charges in Volusia County.
Anyone with information about the death is urged to call the Brevard Sheriff's Office or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.