Car chase ends at Eglin Air Force Base west gate, suspect in custody

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — A 35-year-old Shalimar man was arrested Wednesday after the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said he struck a pedestrian and led deputies on a chase that ended at the west gate of Eglin Air Force Base.

According to an arrest affidavit from the OCSO, George Henry Harchar was involved in a hit-and-run with a pedestrian at around noon near 916 Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach.

The pedestrian, according to the report, suffered significant injuries.

A deputy later spotted a vehicle with a heavy hood and windshield damage and smoke coming from the engine. Harchar allegedly refused to stop, leading deputies on a chase past the Air Force Armament Museum and toward Eglin, at which point Harchar hit a barrier near the base gate.

Deputies said Harchar got out of the vehicle but ignored commands to show his hands and stepped toward them. He was tased and taken into custody.

OCSO charges Harchar with fleeing and eluding with lights and sirens activated and resisting an officer without violence. He also faces hit-and-run charges from the Florida Highway Patrol and additional charges from Eglin Air Force Base.

Harchar is being held at the Okaloosa County Jail without bond.

Several hours later, Eglin Air Force Base went on lockdown due to a suspicious package, according to Eglin Public Affairs. 

The lockdown affected at least 40 buildings, with most of them being located near the 96th Test Wing flight line.

At 2:36 p.m., the lockdown was lifted, and all clear was given.