CAPTURED BAD BOY SINGS THEME SONG 2007
A driver in an airborne van challenged police head-on in Seminole County. Only Channel 9 obtained crystal-clear dashcam video that recorded the takedown of the armed suspect -- and his unexpected serenade during his arrest. Investigators wouldn't have even noticed the van if it hadn't crashed into the side of a plaza that includes Wal-Mart, on State Road 434, in Altamonte Springs. Police responding to a report of a crash arrived at the Wal-Mart parking lot early Tuesday morning to find the driver of the van recklessly driving off. "He just went up over the curb," an officer can be heard on the police radio. Another officer had his dash cam rolling and, when he tried to block the exit, the driver hit the gas, dragging the patrol car along with it and he still wasn't ready to give up. As an officer approached from the side, the van backed up one more time and tried to get away before slamming into a fire hydrant. Police finally smashed the window of the van, tasered 23-year-old RANDY PEARCE and pulled him out of the van. Inside, they found a black ski mask, gloves and a flashlight and a loaded .45-caliber gun -- cocked and ready to shoot. Officers are just grateful the suspect didn't have a chance to use it. Investigators said Pearce had a black ski mask, gloves and a loaded .45-caliber handgun. "Luckily, he didn't use that against the officers. He just wanted to get away from us, but we're very lucky he didn't do anything against the officers," said Officer Tim Hyer, Altamonte Springs Police Department. No one came to the door Thursday at the house where Pearce lives in Altamonte Springs. Neighbors said they didn't want to go on camera because they've had problems with him before. On the dashcam video, a man can be heard saying, "You have the right to remain silent!" Police said it was Pearce talking and then singing the TV theme song from "Cops." "Bad boys, bad boys, what you gonna do?" a voice sings on the video. Police are now trying to find out if Pearce used the gun in any robberies. Thursday, though, he was already out on bail. It may seem incredible, but the total bond for assaulting an officer, fleeing police and having a weapon was less than $5,000.