Sumter County

Man arrested after allegedly killing teen, kidnapping ex-girlfriend, police say

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A 14-year-old was killed and his mother was kidnapped over the weekend, according to Sumter County deputies.

Later, the suspect tried to outrun deputies but ended up in a lake.

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Officials responded to Southeast 75th Boulevard in Sumter County after reports of a shooting.

Investigators say once deputies got on the scene, they found a 14-year-old dead and his mother had been kidnapped by her ex, Samuel Marvin Thomas.

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Somehow, the victim was able to escape and contacted deputies and gave them a description of the suspect’s vehicle.

Deputies a short time later tracked Thomas down in Citrus County and, after a brief chase, officials said he crashed into Lake Spivey.

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Officials aren’t saying what led to the violence, but neighbors said the couple recently broke up.

Myrt Price

Myrt Price, WFTV.com

Myrt Price joined the eyewitness news team as a general assignment reporter in October of 2012.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.