Man killed in exchange for shots with Clay County deputies

CLAY COUNTY, Florida. – A man died on Saturday night after an exchange of fire with Clay County deputies, officials said.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said it answered at about 10:50 pm in an apartment complex on Burwick Avenue, near Blanding Boulevard, after receiving several calls about gunfire.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived about five minutes later and found an armed man who started shooting at them. Police officers fire, hitting the man, said the Sheriff’s Office.

A woman, who declined to be named, told News4Jax that she and her boyfriend were watching TV when they heard the first shots not far from their unit.

“The shots, I counted seven,” she said. “I was, like, ‘Wait a second?’ I was kind of realizing what it was. “

Moments later, said the woman, they heard more.

“They stopped for a while,” she recalled. “I went to the bathroom, heard the vibration and shouted, ‘Did they start shooting again?’ And then he said, ‘Yes, they started shooting back and forth, back and forth.’ “

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

According to the Sheriff’s Office, this was the first shootout involved in each of the three police officers involved. MPs, 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 their thoughts and prayers,” Sheriff Michelle Cook.

The woman News4Jax spoke to said she is grateful that she and her boyfriend are doing well.

“I moved to Clay because I feel more secure in Clay County for some reason. I don’t know if this is just a mindset that I have, ”she said. “So, seeing things this close to home, it’s sad, you know?”

At the request of the Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Police Department responded to investigate.

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