North Carolina fugitive caught hiding in Volusia backyard

October 18, 2025 at 9:30 am EDT

October 18, 2025 at 9:30 am EDT

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A fugitive alleged sex criminal from North Carolina was caught last night in a backyard in Volusia County.

Zachary Edmister, a 25-year-old fugitive, was arrested in Orange City after being wanted for a first-degree felony, forcible sex offense in North Carolina.

Edmister was apprehended in the backyard of a home on Redwood Avenue. He initially attempted to evade arrest by providing law enforcement with a false name, claiming to be his brother.

In addition to the charges in North Carolina, Edmister faces local charges for providing a false name to law enforcement.

He also has a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of lewd or lascivious molestation.,

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Jake Jordan, WFTV.com

Jake Jordan is a UCF Radio and Television alum on the WFTV Content Center Team. He hosts podcasts and live shows, and previously worked as a producer, reporter, and anchor on Orlando's Morning News with Scott Anez.