SEBASTIAN, Fla. — The Indian River County Sheriff's Office has launched a suspicious death investigation following the discovery of a body Sunday morning along the shoreline near 12900 Indian River Drive.
According to deputies, the man was identified as 18-year-old Elias J. Ramos. Investigators say a local boater called it in around 9 a.m.
WATCH BELOW: Body found along shoreline of Indian River Lagoon
"They found what they believe was a dead body, floating in the water," said Capt. Joseph Abollo.
Early findings suggest Ramos may be linked to an incident that occurred several days prior in South Brevard County, in which a suspect fled from Sebastian Police Department officers and jumped into the Indian River Lagoon to escape law enforcement. Investigators say Ramos was from Volusia County.
"There was an incident that occurred there, a few nights back. It was a family dispute," said Abollo. "He then somehow ended up in Palm Beach County."
Investigators said Ramos was medically evaluated in Palm Beach County before he stole a vehicle and headed back up north.
"That's when the chase went on. And then it ended up being a foot pursuit, and then he ran all up and down U.S.1, Brevard County side, and jumped into the water," said Abollo.
At the time, a coordinated search effort involving the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office was conducted but failed to locate the individual.
Based on current weather patterns and investigative evidence, authorities believe the body may have drifted south through the lagoon before coming ashore in Indian River County.
"It was extremely cold, 30-40 degrees," said Abollo. "So, at this time, we don’t exactly know the cause of death. It could've been hypothermia, drowning, we don’t know at this time."
Investigators say Ramos' body is being assessed by a medical examiner, and his cause of death is being investigated.
This is an ongoing investigation. Stay with WPTV for updates.
