A video of a police chase is at the center of an investigation involving former South Daytona police Chief Ron Wright.
The 25-second video, obtained by The News-Journal through court records, captured footage of the early portion of a police pursuit that took place the afternoon of Oct. 26, 2017.
The video shows a motorist fleeing from a police officer who had pulled him over. The officer, who was nearly struck, got into his vehicle and chased after the suspect, who is believed to be James Nitti.
Wright obtained the video and sent it to another family member who knew Nitti, authorities said. The video was evidence in an open case that had not been turned over, which led to a state investigation, according to reports. That prompted an inquiry by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which confirmed this week that the investigation was still open.
Agents from FDLE showed up April 4 at the South Daytona Police Department. Later that afternoon, Wright, 59, notified the city and his employees that he was retiring effective immediately.
Wright and his attorney have not responded to multiple requests for an interview. Court documents do not detail who provided the video to Wright.
Public Defender James Purdy did not comment on Wright's handling of the video and State Attorney R.J. Larizza also hasn't commented. Larizza requested the investigation, according to FDLE.
The police chase involving Nitti, 50, started on Sumac Court. A security camera belonging to a property owner on the cul de sac captured the video of the motorist pulling away and nearly striking the South Daytona police officer who had pulled him over. Nitti, according to an arrest affidavit, was driving a 2005 Mercedes Benz suspected of being involved in an earlier hit-and-run crash.
Later during the pursuit, Nitti drove directly toward other police vehicles, causing them to swerve off the road to avoid being struck, police said. Nitti eventually was captured on North Halifax Avenue after a K-9 caught up to him and attacked him. He was hospitalized for lacerations to his forearm.
Wright's daughter, Katelynd Wright, 29, is listed as a witness in the case and has taken a deposition, according to court documents. She did not respond to a message seeking comment.
Nitti was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, leaving the scene of a crash involving damage and other charges. His trial is scheduled for July.
Wright originally intended to retire after his 30th anniversary with the department, which was only months away, city officials said.
Wright was named acting chief of police in January 2013 after the retirement of Bill Hall, who is now the city's mayor. In September of that year, Wright became permanent chief.
On April 11, the city selected former Port Orange public safety director Gerald Monahan Jr. to serve as interim police chief. The city is conducting a nationwide search for the next chief.