NEW DETAILS: DNA Warrant Led Police Into Boca Before 100-MPH Chase and Gunfire in Delray
DELRAY BEACH, FL — A Delray Beach man accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit across Palm Beach County during a DNA warrant investigation was later arrested after a SWAT standoff at his home.
Evan Robert Berkowitz, 56, of the 4200 block of Palm Forest Drive South in Delray Beach, faces felony charges after investigators say he fled from officers during a traffic stop attempt connected to a Delray Beach Police Department investigation.
The charges stem from a February 26 incident when officers attempted to stop Berkowitz while executing a DNA search warrant tied to a Delray Beach police case.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol warrant arrest affidavit, troopers assisted the Delray Beach Police Department during the operation after investigators confirmed Berkowitz was driving a red Toyota Camry.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle shortly after 7:14 a.m. near Linton Boulevard and Catherine Drive in Delray Beach.
Instead of stopping, investigators say Berkowitz fled, triggering a pursuit led by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers activated emergency lights and sirens as the chase moved westbound along Linton Boulevard.
According to investigators, the vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone while traveling through the western Delray Beach area.
Authorities say Berkowitz briefly drove in the eastbound lanes of Linton Boulevard before correcting direction near Military Trail.
The pursuit continued north on Jog Road and west on Lake Ida Road, where investigators say Berkowitz passed vehicles recklessly and used the median to maneuver around traffic.
According to the affidavit, the vehicle also ran a red light and forced other drivers off the roadway while continuing at speeds near 100 mph.
The chase continued northbound on Hagen Ranch Road before supervisors ordered the pursuit terminated after the vehicle began traveling the wrong way on Lantana Road.
Investigators later established probable cause to charge Berkowitz with fleeing and eluding law enforcement and reckless driving.
Authorities say Berkowitz was the only occupant of the vehicle during the pursuit.
The arrest tied to those charges came days later during a police operation at Berkowitz’s home in Delray Beach.
As Boca Post previously reported, Delray Beach Police officers and the department’s SWAT Team responded to Berkowitz’s residence in the 4200 block of Palm Forest Drive South to serve an arrest warrant, a search warrant, and a DNA warrant. Police said Berkowitz barricaded himself inside the home and fired multiple gunshots toward officers during the standoff before eventually surrendering.
Berkowitz was taken into custody without injuries to officers, residents, or bystanders.
According to Delray Beach Police, additional criminal charges tied to the standoff and shooting incident are expected.
The fleeing and eluding charge tied to the pursuit remains active in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. Berkowitz was scheduled for a first appearance hearing following his arrest.
Find detailed Boca Raton arrest information, including charges, bond amounts, and booking status updates.
