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Man sought after firing at Flagler County deputy, sheriff's office says

Deputies say they're searching for 19-year-old Philip Joseph Haire Jr.

Deputies say they're searching for 19-year-old Philip Joseph Hair Jr.

PALM COAST, Fla. – Flagler County deputies are on the hunt for an armed, dangerous shooter who fired at a Flagler County deputy Monday before wrecking his car and carjacking a citizen, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies said they're searching for 19-year-old Philip Joseph Haire Jr., who may be driving a dark blue 2013 Ford Fiesta with Florida tag EEYR82.

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The sheriff's office said one of Haire's accomplices, Derrick Hall, was arrested by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office after a tip led deputies to believe Haire would be heading to Hall's residence. At the residence, deputies found one of their stolen M-4 rifles, the FCSO said.

Another accomplice was taken into custody by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, but he has not been charged yet and deputies did not release his name.

The sheriff's office said the deputy responded to a call for service on London Drive in Palm Coast and was fired at just after 5 p.m. from a passing vehicle while standing at the front door of the residence.

No one was hit by the gunfire, deputies said, but the FCSO SUV the veteran sergeant had been driving was struck by bullets.

After the drive-by shooting, the gunman, who was later identified as Haire, wrecked his car and carjacked someone to get away, deputies said. They described him as a dangerous gang member and said he's been arrested three times before: Once in March 2016 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, once in May 2016 for domestic violence and once in June 2016 for possession of marijuana.

Sheriff Rick Staly has directed all necessary resources to find Haire.

“I encourage him to turn himself in before he or someone else gets hurt,” Staly said. “We will find him and bring him to justice. If he shoots at one of my deputies, we will shoot back.”

An alert was sent out to agencies statewide to be on the lookout for Haire, and multiple agencies -- including St. Johns and Putnam counties -- joined with the FCSO in tracking him. 

A $1,000 reward offered for info leading to Haire's capture. Deputies urge residents not to approach Haire but to call authorities immediately if he is spotted.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 386-313-4911. To remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477.