Man killed in exchange for gunfire with Clay County deputies

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A man died Saturday evening after exchanging gunfire with Clay County deputies, authorities said.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said it responded around 10:50 p.m. to an apartment complex on Burwick Avenue, next to Blanding Boulevard, after receiving several calls about gunshots.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies arrived about five minutes later and found an armed man who then started firing at them. Deputies fired again, beating the man, the sheriff’s office said.

A woman, who did not wish to be identified, told News4Jax that she and her boyfriend were watching television when they heard the first shots within walking distance of their unit.

“I counted the shots, like seven,” he said. “I was wondering, ‘Wait a second?’ I realized what it was. ”

Moments later, the woman said, they heard more.

“They stopped for a bit,” he recalled. “I went to the bathroom and then I heard the vibration and I yelled,‘ Did they shoot again? “And then he said, ‘Yeah, they started shooting back and forth, back and forth.'”

Announcements

The man was taken to Orange Park Medical Center, where he died around 11:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office said. Investigators said his identity will not be released until they have contacted his family.

According to the sheriff’s office, this was the first shooting involved for each of the three MPs involved. Deputies, who have experience in law enforcement ranging from three to six years, were not injured.

“We appreciate the continued support of our community and ask that we keep everyone involved in tonight’s incident in your thoughts and prayers,” Sheriff Michelle Cook reported.

The woman with whom News4Jax spoke said she is grateful that she and her boyfriend are safe.

“I moved to Clay because I feel safer in Clay County for some reason. I don’t know if that’s just a mentality I have, “he said. “So seeing things like this so close to home is sad, you know?”

At the request of the sheriff’s office, the Florida police department responded to the investigation.

Announcements