DeLand, Fla. — A local man previously incarcerated for a homicide related to a drug transaction was apprehended again following a series of incidents, authorities reported. Timothy Woulard, Jr., 37, is facing multiple charges after allegedly trying to flee the scene of a vehicle collision on Sunday.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office detailed that their intervention began in response to a hit-and-run accident reported on the evening of November 30. While officers were addressing this incident, a subsequent crash occurred nearby, leading to the discovery of Woulard attempting to evade law enforcement on foot.
An ensuing chase resulted in deputies using tasers to detain Woulard, who was found carrying keys to a vehicle linked to the initial hit-and-run. Officers also discovered and confirmed the presence of fentanyl in several yellow rocks found in his possession, alongside a loaded handgun he dropped during his attempted escape.
The charges levied against Woulard include driving under the influence causing damage, leaving the scene of an accident, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of a controlled substance.
Woulard’s troubled past includes a conviction for the 2009 shooting death of 33-year-old Chabelo Ramirez-Secundino in what has been painted by law enforcement as a drug deal that turned fatal. The incident, which unfolded in DeLeon Springs, led to initial charges of second-degree murder against Woulard. However, he later entered a guilty plea for manslaughter, an agreement that resulted in a 15-year prison sentence followed by a decade-long probation term.
Records indicate Woulard was released from prison just months ago, in August 2023, after serving 13 years of his sentence. His recent arrest now raises questions about the effectiveness of post-incarceration supervision and the challenges of reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals into society.
The local community and law enforcement remain vigilant, particularly on issues surrounding substance abuse and gun violence, which continue to be prominent social concerns. The presence of a firearm in Woulard’s possession, despite his convicted felon status, underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing recidivism among former offenders.
This case also highlights the critical role of timely and effective communication between hospital staff and law enforcement agencies. In the incident leading to Woulard’s initial conviction, quick reporting by medical professionals at Florida Hospital in DeLand and subsequent investigations significantly aided the sheriff’s office in solving the case.
As legal proceedings continue, the community is left to ponder the interplay between justice, rehabilitation, and public safety, all brought sharply into focus by this latest series of events involving a figure all too familiar with the criminal justice system.