WEATHER ALERT
Man dies after being struck by St. Johns County Sheriff patrol car
Read full article: Man dies after being struck by St. Johns County Sheriff patrol carA 27-year-old man died after he was struck by a St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office patrol SUV in St. Johns County on Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
St. Johns County sheriff urges residents to stay inside until deputies survey flood damage, power gets restored
Read full article: St. Johns County sheriff urges residents to stay inside until deputies survey flood damage, power gets restoredAfter Hurricane Milton’s overnight impact, St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick on Thursday morning urged county residents to stay where they are while deputies assess the damage.
Man, dog severely injured after being attacked by 5 unleashed dogs in Ponte Vedra Beach
Read full article: Man, dog severely injured after being attacked by 5 unleashed dogs in Ponte Vedra BeachA man and his dog were severely injured after being attacked by five unleashed dogs last week in Ponte Vedra Beach, near Turtle Shores, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Rob Hardwick will serve 2nd term in St. Johns County after primary win
Read full article: Sheriff Rob Hardwick will serve 2nd term in St. Johns County after primary winThe race for St. Johns County sheriff will come to a close on Tuesday night as polls have closed for the Florida primary election.
SJSO warns about ‘dangerous’ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predators
Read full article: SJSO warns about ‘dangerous’ social media trend where teenagers seek out, confront sexual predatorsThe St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is sending an urgent warning to parents after deputies confirmed they’re investigating two separate cases involving a potentially dangerous social media trend.
SJC sheriff seeks to add 21 deputies, address needs with $10M budget increase
Read full article: SJC sheriff seeks to add 21 deputies, address needs with $10M budget increaseSt. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick is requesting a $10 million increase in the sheriff’s office’s budget to meet growing population demands and get more deputies on the streets.
Woman leads troopers on 20-mile chase on I-95 that ends in crash at Atlantic Boulevard exit: FHP
Read full article: Woman leads troopers on 20-mile chase on I-95 that ends in crash at Atlantic Boulevard exit: FHPA 42-year-old woman from Weeki Wachee is facing a slew of charges after leading law enforcement on a nearly 20-mile chase on I-95 before a trooper ended the pursuit with a PIT maneuver.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office wants to move its headquarters. The estimated price tag — $18M
Read full article: The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office wants to move its headquarters. The estimated price tag — $18MSt. Johns County is growing rapidly and that means the need for more facilities to serve and protect residents.
St. Johns County dispatchers spotlighted for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Read full article: St. Johns County dispatchers spotlighted for National Public Safety Telecommunicators WeekNews4JAX is spotlighting local 911 emergency dispatchers and their life-saving services in the community for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
3 Georgia men arrested in connection with shooting incident that led to pursuit, crash in St. Johns County
Read full article: 3 Georgia men arrested in connection with shooting incident that led to pursuit, crash in St. Johns CountyThree men were arrested in connection with a shooting incident that led to a pursuit and ended with a crash on State Road 206 in St. Johns County Friday, according to the sheriff’s office.
SJSO arrests kidnapping suspect who fled on foot after vehicle pursuit
Read full article: SJSO arrests kidnapping suspect who fled on foot after vehicle pursuitThe St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a possible kidnapping suspect who fled on foot after a vehicle pursuit on State Road 16 in St. Augustine.
SJSO arrests possible kidnapping suspect who fled after vehicle pursuit
Read full article: SJSO arrests possible kidnapping suspect who fled after vehicle pursuitThe St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrested a possible kidnapping suspect who fled on foot after a vehicle pursuit on State Road 16 in St. Augustine.
Case involving migrant accused in death of St. Johns County deputy in limbo after incompetency ruling: State Attorney
Read full article: Case involving migrant accused in death of St. Johns County deputy in limbo after incompetency ruling: State AttorneyFor the first time on Monday, State Attorney R.J. Larizza answered questions about the controversial case involving an 18-year-old migrant who is accused in the death of a St. Johns County deputy.
3rd Republican challenges St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick for reelection
Read full article: 3rd Republican challenges St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick for reelectionA third Republican candidate has put in his bid to challenge St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, who is running for re-election for his second term.
Judge finds migrant accused in St. Johns County deputy’s death not competent for prosecution
Read full article: Judge finds migrant accused in St. Johns County deputy’s death not competent for prosecutionAfter taking time to consider testimony from a Dec. 22 mental competency hearing, Judge R. Lee Smith found an 18-year-old from Guatemala not competent for prosecution in the death of a St. Johns County deputy.
Judge acknowledges migrant accused in St. Johns County deputy’s death is entitled to bond, calls case ‘complex’
Read full article: Judge acknowledges migrant accused in St. Johns County deputy’s death is entitled to bond, calls case ‘complex’A mental competency hearing was held Friday for an 18-year-old facing a manslaughter accusation in the death of a St. Johns County deputy.
Attorney for migrant accused in St. Johns County deputy’s death calls for charges to be dropped ahead of bond hearing
Read full article: Attorney for migrant accused in St. Johns County deputy’s death calls for charges to be dropped ahead of bond hearingVergilio Aguilar-Mendez is set to appear in court on Friday for a hearing as he faces manslaughter accusations in the death of St. Johns County Sergeant Deputy Michael Kunovich.
Guatemalan 18-year-old accused of manslaughter in death of St. Johns County deputy brings in civil attorney
Read full article: Guatemalan 18-year-old accused of manslaughter in death of St. Johns County deputy brings in civil attorneyThe man accused of manslaughter in the death of a St. Johns County deputy earlier this year has retained a civil attorney in the case.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, county to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuit after deputy crash left woman disabled
Read full article: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, county to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuit after deputy crash left woman disabledSt. Johns County Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a $6.3 million settlement that was filed following a 2019 crash involving a St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Former St. Johns County teacher sentenced to 3 years in prison, 2 years probation for sending lewd photos to student
Read full article: Former St. Johns County teacher sentenced to 3 years in prison, 2 years probation for sending lewd photos to studentA former St. Johns County teacher pleaded no contest to the three charges of sending harmful materials to a minor and was sentenced to three years in prison and two years of probation.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office fired deputy after he was accused of possessing child pornography
Read full article: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office fired deputy after he was accused of possessing child pornographyA St. Johns County Office deputy was fired Friday after he was arrested and accused of possessing child pornography.
St. Johns County teen stabbed multiple times raises awareness about domestic abuse at back-to-school event
Read full article: St. Johns County teen stabbed multiple times raises awareness about domestic abuse at back-to-school eventAn event geared towards getting students ready for the upcoming school year and helping job seekers was also a chance for a teen on the road to recovery to share about her new project to help others dealing with domestic abuse.
You probably own a security camera. The St. Johns County Sherriff’s Office wants to use it to fight crime
Read full article: You probably own a security camera. The St. Johns County Sherriff’s Office wants to use it to fight crimeIs it a helpful tool to solve crime, or an encroachment on civil liberties? Surveillance and doorbell cameras seem to be everywhere, and now local sheriffs are asking homeowners and business owners who have them to essentially — connect.
Operation Spring Fling: 14 people arrested, suspected of online child exploitation
Read full article: Operation Spring Fling: 14 people arrested, suspected of online child exploitationThe Internet Crimes Against Children unit in the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sting that led to 14 arrests, people suspected of targeting children for sex.
‘Be our guardian angel’: Son delivers emotional tribute at funeral for fallen St. Johns County Sgt. Michael Kunovich
Read full article: ‘Be our guardian angel’: Son delivers emotional tribute at funeral for fallen St. Johns County Sgt. Michael KunovichFamily, friends and law enforcement will pay respects Friday morning to Sergeant Michael Kunovich who died after detaining a man.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office asks residents & businesses to register surveillance cameras
Read full article: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office asks residents & businesses to register surveillance camerasA new public safety program connects the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office with resident's surveillance cameras.
Local deputies, postal workers help catch 2 suspected mail thieves
Read full article: Local deputies, postal workers help catch 2 suspected mail thievesTwo South Florida men, suspected of stealing mail, were arrested in St. Johns County Thursday. An investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service resulted in the arrests after the men were spotted in the Julington Creek area of St. Johns County.
Ex-St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance director wants reduced sentence
Read full article: Ex-St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance director wants reduced sentenceA former St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance director, who was sentenced in August 2021 to 88 months in prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the agency, is asking for a reduced prison sentence.
Dump truck damages CR 214 bridge over I-95; overpass will be closed for days
Read full article: Dump truck damages CR 214 bridge over I-95; overpass will be closed for daysThe overpass bridge for County Road 214 across I-95 was struck by a dump truck Wednesday morning and damaged, according to St. Johns County deputies.
St. Johns County Sheriff says Fucci does not get to choose where he is housed as he awaits first-degree murder trial
Read full article: St. Johns County Sheriff says Fucci does not get to choose where he is housed as he awaits first-degree murder trialThe St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is responding to Aiden Fucci’s request to be removed from the Duval County jail.
St. Johns County doctor accused of illegally distributing prescriptions in exchange for sexual favors
Read full article: St. Johns County doctor accused of illegally distributing prescriptions in exchange for sexual favorsA St. Johns County doctor, who has been under investigation since August 2021, is now facing charges of illegally distributing prescription medication.
Sheriff’s Office issues community alert after carjacking at St. Johns County Wendy’s
Read full article: Sheriff’s Office issues community alert after carjacking at St. Johns County Wendy’sThe St. Johns County Sheriff's Office issued a community alert Saturday afternoon asking for help to find a car and a person connected to a reported carjacking Saturday morning at a local Wendy's.
Family hopes someone will come forward to help solve 2019 murder in St. Johns County
Read full article: Family hopes someone will come forward to help solve 2019 murder in St. Johns CountyThe family of a St. Augustine man mysteriously murdered in a World Golf Village condo is desperate for answers and turned to the News4JAX I-TEAM for help. It’s a case with ties to a high-profile St. Johns County case that has received national attention over the years.
Cost of protecting St. Johns County schools increases by $1M as salaries for armed guards rise
Read full article: Cost of protecting St. Johns County schools increases by $1M as salaries for armed guards riseA plan presented Tuesday morning to the school board calls for more than $1 million more than last year to go towards protecting schools and increasing pay for armed guards.
Teen leads troopers on high-speed chase after threatening Orlando police, FHP says
Read full article: Teen leads troopers on high-speed chase after threatening Orlando police, FHP saysA 16-year-old was arrested Wednesday after stealing a vehicle and leading deputies on a high-speed chase in St. Johns County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s office makes arrests in ‘Operation Thin Ice’
Read full article: St. Johns County Sheriff’s office makes arrests in ‘Operation Thin Ice’The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday it conducted an undercover operation targeting suspects who utilized the internet to sexually exploit children.
3 most dangerous mistakes made by golf cart drivers
Read full article: 3 most dangerous mistakes made by golf cart driversLast year, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said it responded to 21 crashes involving golf carts. Three people were injured so badly they were incapacitated, and a 47-year-old man died when a golf cart rolled on top of him.
‘I feel betrayed’: Mother of man beaten during traffic stop outraged at not guilty verdict
Read full article: ‘I feel betrayed’: Mother of man beaten during traffic stop outraged at not guilty verdictA jury on Wednesday found a former St. Johns County deputy not guilty of aggravated battery in connection to the beating of a man during a 2019 traffic stop.
Former St. Johns County deputy accused of battery during traffic stop found not guilty
Read full article: Former St. Johns County deputy accused of battery during traffic stop found not guiltyAfter nearly three hours of deliberations Wednesday, a jury found a former St. Johns County deputy not guilty of aggravated battery in connection to the beating of a man during a 2019 traffic stop.
Confused-looking Aiden Fucci: ‘Demons are going to take my soul away’
Read full article: Confused-looking Aiden Fucci: ‘Demons are going to take my soul away’Before his routine pre-trial hearing Wednesday was passed to Oct. 28, 14-year-old accused killer Aiden Fucci appeared on a video feed from the Duval County jail wearing an orange jumpsuit and a confused expression.
St. Augustine High School resource deputy dies after battling COVID-19
Read full article: St. Augustine High School resource deputy dies after battling COVID-19Deputy Jody Hull, a four-year member of the Sheriff’s Office, had most recently served as the Youth Resource Deputy at St. Augustine High School, the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post announcing his passing.
Ex-St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance director gets 7 years in prison
Read full article: Ex-St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance director gets 7 years in prisonA former St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance director was sentenced Tuesday to more than seven years in prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the agency.
Prosecutors disclose more witnesses & evidence in Aiden Fucci case
Read full article: Prosecutors disclose more witnesses & evidence in Aiden Fucci caseThe State Attorney’s Office has disclosed more evidence it plans to present in the murder case against Aiden Fucci, the St. Johns County teen accused of killing his 13-year-old schoolmate.
St. Johns County to staff all schools with resource officers
Read full article: St. Johns County to staff all schools with resource officersThe St. Johns County School District announced an expanded partnership with the Sheriff’s Office that will see at least one resource officer posted in all 46 of the district’s schools this fall.
Ex-St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance official accused of embezzlement takes plea deal
Read full article: Ex-St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office finance official accused of embezzlement takes plea dealA former finance director for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office accused of stealing from the agency has pleaded guilty to multiple charges in a plea agreement with the State Attorney’s Office that could put her in jail for more than seven years, court records show.
Teen claims social media trolls are framing him with posts about Tristyn Bailey case
Read full article: Teen claims social media trolls are framing him with posts about Tristyn Bailey caseAs the investigation into 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey’s murder continues, social media trolls continue to taunt her family and friends.
What we know about Aiden Fucci, the teen accused of killing Tristyn Bailey
Read full article: What we know about Aiden Fucci, the teen accused of killing Tristyn BaileyNews4Jax is learning more about Aiden Fucci, the teen accused of murdering 13-year-old schoolmate Tristyn Bailey in her St. Johns County neighborhood over the weekend.
Teenage boy accused of killing Tristyn Bailey
Read full article: Teenage boy accused of killing Tristyn BaileySt. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick announced Monday that the body found in the woods just after 6 p.m. Sunday is that of Tristyn Bailey, and a fellow student at her school was arrested and charged with her murder.
Deputy hit by car while directing traffic in St. Johns County
Read full article: Deputy hit by car while directing traffic in St. Johns CountyST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Deputy is going to be OK and suffered no major injuries after she was hit by a car Tuesday night. The Florida Highway Patrol crash report shows the deputy was directing traffic around a crash on State Road 16 at Woodlawn Road when she was hit. According to FHP, a 32-year-old Jacksonville man hit the deputy with the passenger side of his vehicle while turning onto Woodlawn Road. The deputy was not transported to the hospital. News4Jax requested the full crash report.
Missing woman found safe, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office says
Read full article: Missing woman found safe, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office saysBecause the woman is no longer missing, News4Jax has opted to remove her name and photo from this article. A missing 56-year-old woman who left her family home Saturday was found safe Sunday, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman had last been seen driving her vehicle in the area of State Road 16 and Interstate 95. Less than two hours after deputies asked for the public’s help locating the woman, the Sheriff’s Office announced late Sunday morning that she was found safe.
Deputy repairs St. Johns County woman’s door after call for service
Read full article: Deputy repairs St. Johns County woman’s door after call for serviceDeputy Lewis repaired a St. John County woman's front door after it was breached during a call for service. A St. Johns County deputy got a shoutout on social media Thursday for going the extra mile on a recent call for service. But after clearing the residence, Deputy Lewis wanted to make sure the family felt safe for the rest of the night, so he grabbed some tools and bought some supplies to repair the damage to the doorway. “She was gracious for the repairs so she and her child could sleep peacefully,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Way to go, Deputy Lewis!”
Body found along A1A identified as 24-year-old Middleburg woman
Read full article: Body found along A1A identified as 24-year-old Middleburg womanA body found Sunday along A1A was identified as a 24-year-old Middleburg woman, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said Monday. Early Sunday morning is when the Sheriff’s Office, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, responded to what was believed to be a deadly hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian along A1A, just south of J. Turner Butler Boulevard. Investigators said they began an aerial search and eventually found Gibson’s vehicle abandoned in a gated apartment complex in Middleburg, which was some distance away from her boyfriend’s home. Investigators said the vehicle was seized by the Sheriff’s Office while detectives began searching for Gibson’s boyfriend. News4Jax has been in contact with Gibson’s family members, who are asking for privacy after their unexpected loss.
$10,000 reward offered in St. Augustine double murder
Read full article: $10,000 reward offered in St. Augustine double murderST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office is offering a $10,000 reward for tips leading to arrests in the cold case murders of two men whose remains were found in a burned SUV. The bodies of Charles Durden, 27, and Steffon Larry, 26, were found inside the torched Dodge SUV in November 2016 in St. Augustine. Mark Kapelka, the lead detective on the case, told News4Jax the case went cold weeks ago. Its very hard.After reviewing the case, Kapelka said, it became clear that some of the original anonymous tipsters likely have information vital to catching these mens killer or killers. Hes asking those people to call back, either through Crime Stoppers or the Sheriffs Office.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office re-accredited, receives top honors
Read full article: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office re-accredited, receives top honorsST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has received its eighth consecutive accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, receiving the group’s Excelsior Recognition for the fourth time in a row. The assessment team leader, Lt. Mark Buffington, told the Sheriff’s Office that it was sone of the smoothest onsite visited he had done in 11 years and would encourage other agencies to tour the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office to glean ideas and processes. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office was initially accredited by CFA in 1996. The Egon Bittner Award is presented to chief executive officers who have commanded a CALEA-accredited agency for 15 or more continuous years. “It is a true honor to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the men and women of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Mother of man beaten by St. Johns County deputy says there is a pattern of abuse at agency
Read full article: Mother of man beaten by St. Johns County deputy says there is a pattern of abuse at agencyST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The day after State Attorney’s announced they are pressing charges against a former St. Johns County deputy for beating an unarmed man last year during an arrest, the victim’s attorney and his mother are speaking out about what they are calling a pattern of police brutality in St. Johns County. Attorney John Phillips points to mug shots of white men in their 20s who he said were each badly beaten during their arrest by St. Johns County deputies. Cell phone video recorded by a bystander showed St. Johns County Deputy Anthony Deleo beating and tasing Christopher Butler last December during an arrest along County Road 210. Not only is Butler’s mother and lawyer asking people to come forward with more information about this case, Phillips said the beating is part of a dangerous pattern. St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Chuck Mulligan said once a lawsuit is filed, the agency will respond appropriately.
Ex-St. Johns County deputy charged after man beaten during traffic stop
Read full article: Ex-St. Johns County deputy charged after man beaten during traffic stopST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – An ex-deputy with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, who was seen on video beating a man during a December traffic stop, has been charged with aggravated battery, according to the State Attorney’s Office. DeLeo was fired from the Sheriff’s Office. In the video, Butler can be heard screaming and moaning when he was shocked with a Taser several times. Later in the video, DeLeo comes at him with a baton. In the report from the Sheriff’s Office, investigators said Butler was being uncooperative and was not responding to commands.
Sheriff: Suspect wounded after firing shots at deputy in Sawgrass
Read full article: Sheriff: Suspect wounded after firing shots at deputy in SawgrassPONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – A man discovered inside a stolen vehicle in Sawgrass was “gravely wounded” after firing shots at a deputy on Wednesday, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect then locked himself in the vehicle, Shoar said. About 2:15 p.m., Shoar said, a SWAT team used tear gas to extricate the suspect out of the vehicle. “We were lucky, you know, that we weren’t in the parking lot when that was going on, basically, is what I was thinking," Suggs said. Zach Goodall was in the parking lot at the time.
Sheriff’s Office: St. Johns County Courthouse “all clear” after bomb threat triggers evacuation
Read full article: Sheriff’s Office: St. Johns County Courthouse “all clear” after bomb threat triggers evacuationST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County Courthouse was given the “all clear” after being evacuated Wednesday morning following a bomb threat. According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Chuck Mulligan, nothing was found in the building. After the judges and everyone were settled back into the courtrooms, the courthouse would reopen to the public. Authorities received an anonymous phone call about 9 a.m. from someone who threatened to blow up the courthouse, Mulligan told News4Jax. In response, deputies cleared the courthouse on Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, which is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s standard operating procedure, Mulligan said.
Deputies: Jacksonville man arrested after stolen gun found in SUV
Read full article: Deputies: Jacksonville man arrested after stolen gun found in SUVPONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – A Jacksonville man faces a list of criminal charges after marijuana and a stolen handgun were found inside his sport-utility vehicle in Ponte Vedra Beach, authorities said. Gamble, 35, admitted his driver’s license was suspended and told the deputy he had some marijuana on him, according to his arrest report. The deputy found a marijuana grinder and two glass pipes during a search of the SUV, and a black 9mm handgun was located underneath the driver’s seat, the report stated. Gamble said he bought the gun for $275 and did not believe it was stolen, according to the report, but the deputy noted in the report that the weapon was reported stolen out of Jacksonville. Gamble was booked on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, marijuana possession, paraphernalia possession, failure to register a motor vehicle and attaching an unassigned license plate.
St. Johns County deputy fired, accused of battery after beating motorist during traffic stop
Read full article: St. Johns County deputy fired, accused of battery after beating motorist during traffic stopST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputy was fired and accused with aggravated battery Thursday after he was seen on video beating an unarmed man during a December traffic stop. St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar on Thursday withdrew the commission of Deputy Anthony DeLeo, ending his employment with the Sheriff’s Office. Two other St. Johns County deputies who were involved in the incident — Joseph McGinnis and Patrick Ponticello — were placed on paid administrative leave after the video surfaced. Butler remains in St. Johns County jail accused of multiple charges including two out-of-county warrants, resisting arrest and driving under the influence. And that’s the problem, particularly with St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office that refuses body cams.
Driver leads St. Johns County deputies on chase in stolen U-Haul truck
Read full article: Driver leads St. Johns County deputies on chase in stolen U-Haul truckST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A man believed to have hit several vehicles while leading police on a chase through St. Johns County in a stolen U-Haul truck Tuesday morning was arrested, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said 22-year-old Joshua Nelson faces multiple charges, including fleeing police, aggravated assault with a weapon, vehicle theft and resisting an officer. A short time after Nelson ran, he was apprehended and taken into custody near State Road 207. “He was flying down State Road 16 with flat tires -- actually no tires left, it was just rims," said Will Gresham said. Deputies believe Nelson might also be a parson-of-interest in crimes outside of St. Johns County.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office sues former finance director
Read full article: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office sues former finance directorST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is suing a former employee suspected of embezzling more than $700,000 while she oversaw the agency’s budget and finances. In a seven-page lawsuit filed Jan. 14, Sheriff David Shoar alleges that former finance director Raye A. Brutnell defrauded the agency by making dozens of payments totaling over $700,000 from bank accounts controlled by the Sheriff’s Office to a series of accounts created for fictitious vendors. It goes on to say that she deposited the proceeds into bank accounts controlled either by herself or her family members. She said she did not realize the magnitude of the fraud until confronted with the dollar amount. Brian Haas, the state attorney for Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit, is prosecuting the criminal case at the request of Gov.
Lawyer: Traffic stop beating one of the worst cases of brutality I’ve ever seen
Read full article: Lawyer: Traffic stop beating one of the worst cases of brutality I’ve ever seenST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A Jacksonville attorney who is representing a man who was shocked and repeatedly beaten by St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputies said it’s one of the worse cases of police brutality he has seen locally. “It’s just so abusive and it just goes on for so long,” attorney John Phillips, who specializes in police brutality cases, told News4Jax on Wednesday. According to the arrest report written by deputies, Butler was not cooperating which led to him being shocked by an FHP trooper and then beaten and kicked by deputies. Christopher Butler, 30 (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office)“He was not high on PCP and any statement to that effect is going to result in defamation,” Phillips said. According to the arrest report, Deleo along with Joseph McGinnis and Patrick Ponticello, were the deputies involved in the Butler traffic stop.
3 St. Johns County deputies on leave after videos shows man beaten during traffic stop
Read full article: 3 St. Johns County deputies on leave after videos shows man beaten during traffic stopST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Three St. Johns County deputies were placed on paid administrative leave last week after the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office received video showing a man being struck repeatedly and shocked with a Taser during a December traffic stop. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three deputies were put on paid leave after the family came forward last week with the videos. St. Johns County deputies had already arrived to help the FHP trooper to get Butler out of the car when the video starts recording. In the video, Butler can be heard screaming and moaning when the Taser is used several times. Christopher Butler, 30 (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office)Morgenstern said her son was on medication for a cold and did not take any illegal drugs.
Homeless community says attacks happening in camps more often than people realize
Read full article: Homeless community says attacks happening in camps more often than people realizeST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - Four men have been arrested in connection with an assault and robbery at two homeless camps in St. Johns County, authorities said. They said that while they were relieved the suspects are now facing charges, there are others who have also targeted homeless camps. Investigators said the four men yelled "Sheriff's Office" at a homeless camp off Old Moultrie Road to startle the people inside before attacking a homeless man, breaking his nose and leaving his eye swollen shut. At a second homeless camp, a man was robbed at gunpoint, investigators said. One homeless man told News4Jax that he thinks young people are either committing these attacks to gain notoriety or simply for kicks.
Police: Parents arrested after barefoot child found wandering street
Read full article: Police: Parents arrested after barefoot child found wandering streetST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - A man and woman are facing charges of child neglect after a child in a soiled diaper was found wandering a heavily traveled road in St. Augustine, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. Investigators determined the child had wandered nearly 150 yards from her home before a good Samaritan found her Sunday on Andora Street and called authorities. It's unclear how long the child had been in the street, but the report from the Sheriff's Office said it took deputes 30 minutes to locate the girl's parents. The neighbor who found the child asked not to be identified. Hinds and Smith were both charged with child neglect without bodily harm.
Train slams into car in St. Johns County, driver escapes
Read full article: Train slams into car in St. Johns County, driver escapesST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A driver who stopped on train tracks in St. Johns County on Tuesday morning escaped injury when a train plowed into the car, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. The car, which was possibly disabled, was hit by the train just before 9 a.m. on Kings Estates Road, according to law enforcement. No roads were blocked due to the collision and the driver was unharmed, the Sheriff's Office said. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Airplane crashes into marsh near St. Augustine airport
Read full article: Airplane crashes into marsh near St. Augustine airportST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Two people were injured when an airplane crashed into the intracoastal waterway Sunday morning near the Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine. According to St. Johns County Fire Rescue, the passengers were pulled from the Mooney M20J, a single engine low wing aircraft, around 9:30 a.m. by nearby boaters. The pilot of the plane, St. Augustine resident John Bailey, told FHP investigators he was attempting to land at the airport and experienced mechanical failures, according to a crash report from FHP. "We were fishing in a small creek south of St. Augustine airport. All inbound and outbound flights were temporarily stopped at the St. Augustine airport, according to the airport's website.
Teen OK after being thrown from golf cart in head-on crash with SUV
Read full article: Teen OK after being thrown from golf cart in head-on crash with SUVThe golf cart driver, who was partially ejected from the cart in the crash, was cited for careless driving, according to a crash report. Deputies said the driver of the SUV stopped at an intersection as the golf cart approached, and before the SUV began moving again, the golf cart "suddenly swerved" and hit the SUV head-on in front of a restaurant. Golf carts commonJoanna Brown, who lives nearby, said that Nocatee is known for being a golf cart community. Since those accidents, the sheriff's office said it planned to hold golf cart safety classes. If the golf cart is to be driven on designated roads during darkness, it must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield.
Mother arrested after child swallowed pill, lost consciousness
Read full article: Mother arrested after child swallowed pill, lost consciousnessST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A St. Augustine woman was arrested after a child swallowed a pill that was left on a coffee table and later became unconscious, according to a report from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office said the pill the child ingested was Suboxone, an opioid that's used to treat addiction to narcotics. According to the report, first responders were sent to the St. Augustine home on Aug. 27. The report said Tolerico was cleaning out her purse when she noticed a pill inside that she placed on a table. When News4Jax spoke to Tolerico, she was holding the child who got sick, and he appeared to be doing OK.
Jail tip leads to arrest in 2017 deadly hit-and-run
Read full article: Jail tip leads to arrest in 2017 deadly hit-and-runSt. Johns County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Timothy Thompson (left) and photo of James Allen Sr. (right)ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - A man was arrested last month in Tennessee in connection with a 2017 deadly hit-and-run in St. Johns County, according to court documents. A tip from an inmate in the St. Johns County jail led to the arrest of Timothy Thompson, 31, in the case, an arrest warrant shows. James Allen Sr., 81, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking on U.S. 1 near the St. Augustine airport in January 2017, authorities said. A jail inmate who had been Thompson's cellmate in late 2017 told corrections officers he had information in the case. Thompson was booked Saturday into the St. Johns County jail on a charge of leaving the scene of a crash with a death.
Deputies: Elderly man found dead in home after elderly woman harms self
Read full article: Deputies: Elderly man found dead in home after elderly woman harms selfST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - An elderly man was found dead in a home after an elderly woman apparently harmed herself, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said Friday. Investigators said they began a database search for a person with the same name provided, which yielded several possible addresses in St. Johns County. Deputies said they gave commands for the woman, who was described as elderly, to exit the car, but she did not. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies also went into the home and found a man, who was described as elderly, dead inside. The Sheriff's Office said there are no indications that anyone else was involved, though detectives continue to investigate.
How to find out which houses children should avoid while trick-or-treating
Read full article: How to find out which houses children should avoid while trick-or-treatingST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - With Halloween right around the corner, law enforcement agencies throughout Northeast Florida are reminding parents to know which houses your children should avoid while trick-or-treating. He added that the county created a local ordinance that prohibits registered sex offenders and predators from engaging in Halloween activities. "SJCSO has on its website a sex offender watch icon. In Duval County, registered sex offenders and predators are prohibited from all Halloween activities. He said you can anticipate there are several hundred sex offenders throughout the county at any given time.
Deputies: Elderly man found dead in home after elderly woman shoots self
Read full article: Deputies: Elderly man found dead in home after elderly woman shoots selfST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - An elderly man was found dead in a home after an elderly woman apparently shot herself, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said Friday. Investigators said they began a database search for a person with the same name provided, which yielded several possible addresses in St. Johns County. Deputies said they gave commands for the woman, who was described as elderly, to exit the car, but she did not. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies also went into the home and found a man, who was described as elderly, dead inside. The Sheriff's Office said there are no indications that anyone else was involved, though detectives continue to investigate.
Deputies: Man found dead in home after woman shoots self in car
Read full article: Deputies: Man found dead in home after woman shoots self in carST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - A man was found dead in a home after a woman apparently shot herself in a car in the driveway of the residence, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said Friday. Deputies said they gave commands for the woman, who was described as elderly, to exit the car, but she did not. Deputies said they approached the car and found the woman had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies also went into the home and found a man, who was described as elderly, dead inside. The Sheriff's Office said there are no indications that anyone else was involved, though detectives continue to investigate.
Man arrested after woman finds explicit videos of self online
Read full article: Man arrested after woman finds explicit videos of self onlineST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - A Clay County man has been charged with sexual cyberharassment after a woman found explicit photos of herself posted on an internet porn site, according to a report from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. An arrest report states Cooke posted the photos of the woman after they stopped dating. The report said Cooke showed up to her home and left a note on her car. The Sheriff's Office said the woman found a user profile on the website that included her first name, phone number and hometown. In addition, the woman told deputies a third profile was created on a separate website.
Deputies: Man drives through gate after argument over RV starter
Read full article: Deputies: Man drives through gate after argument over RV starterST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A man was arrested Friday and accused of stealing an RV starter, then hitting a person with the door of his car at Gander RV and Outdoors before driving through a gate, according to a report from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. According to an arrest report, Anthony Martin Puleo, 65, went to Gander RV to look into an issue with a starter he sold. Puleo then tried leaving Gander RV with the starter and got into his car, deputies said. Puleo sped into the gate a second time, deputies said, causing a portion to break off. A second person was hit by part of the gate while trying to get out of the way.
Police ID woman found dead after port-a-potty fire
Read full article: Police ID woman found dead after port-a-potty fireST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A woman whose remains were found after a port-a-potty fire in St. Augustine has been identified, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said. On Saturday morning, St. Johns Fire Rescue responded to a fire on Horseshoe Road after Chris Gouge called 911. After the port-a-potty was put out, firefighters found what were eventually identified as McQuaig's remains as they searched the rubble, the Sheriff's Office said. The fire marshal responded to the scene and is investigating the cause of the fire. The official cause of death is pending the return of toxicology results to the Medical Examiners Office.
FHP: Overturned cement truck snarls traffic on Shands Bridge
Read full article: FHP: Overturned cement truck snarls traffic on Shands BridgeST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - A crash involving a cement truck and a car snarled traffic Monday morning on the Shands Bridge, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said the driver in the car was flown to the hospital to be treated for injuries. The cement truck overturned near the base of the bridge on the St. Johns County side, according to the Sheriff's Office. Live, interactive map of Jacksonville traffic. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Porta-Potty Explodes in Florida, Police Find Body in Rubble: Reports
Read full article: Porta-Potty Explodes in Florida, Police Find Body in Rubble: ReportsPolice are working to identify human remains found among the charred debris of a burnt-out porta-potty in Florida. Residents in a St. Augustine neighborhood reported they heard a loud boom about 6:30 a.m. Saturday around a house that was under construction. St. Johns County Sheriffs Office spokesman Chuck Mulligan told the Associated Press that in his 32 years of law enforcement, he had never even heard of such a fire. When the fire was extinguished, authorities said the remains of what appeared to be a female were found within the rubble. The remains have not been identified yet, and police have no received any missing persons reports.
Body found in porta-potty fire believed to be a woman
Read full article: Body found in porta-potty fire believed to be a womanST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - A person is dead after a porta-potty fire in St. Augustine the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said. On Saturday morning, St. Johns Fire Rescue responded to a fire on Horseshoe Road. After the fire was put out, firefighters found human remains as they searched the rubble, the Sheriff's Office said. Detectives believe the person who died was a woman but said they don't have any missing person reports at this time. The medical examiner will do an autopsy Monday to identify the person and determine the cause of death.
K-9 rewarded with toy after finding drugs tossed from stolen car
Read full article: K-9 rewarded with toy after finding drugs tossed from stolen carST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. - A St. Augustine Beach Police Department K-9 was rewarded after he helped the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office search for drugs tossed from a stolen vehicle, authorities said. After a woman threw Xanax tablets and methamphetamine from a stolen vehicle on U.S. 1 on Tuesday, according to a police report, K-9 Kilo began to search the area for drugs. The police report shows Kilo found an orange pill bottle with tablets and a clear plastic baggie in the grass. Kilo was then rewarded with a Kong toy. In March, News4Jax reported that Kilo was saved thanks to a donated heat sensor.
Deputies: Body found on beach could be missing swimmer
Read full article: Deputies: Body found on beach could be missing swimmerST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. - A body washed up on Matanzas Beach on Tuesday morning, days after a swimmer was caught in a rip current and disappeared into the ocean off St. Augustine Beach. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office identified the missing beachgoer as 22-year-old Jacob Turner from Tampa. Deputies patrolling the shoreline Tuesday spotted a man's body in the Matanzas Beach area. The identity of the body will have to be confirmed by a Medical Examiner, who will perform an autopsy, deputies said. That's when Fire-Rescue responded, along with the Sheriff's Office and the St. Augustine Beach Police Department.
St. Johns County deputy rescues trio of adorable kittens
Read full article: St. Johns County deputy rescues trio of adorable kittensST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - A deputy's alertness might have been the difference between life and death for a bundle of kittens found early Monday in St. Johns County. According to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Misamore was driving along County Road 13A about 4:30 a.m. when she noticed the kittens huddled together near the roadway. Even though the kittens tried to flee when approached, Misamore managed to corral them long enough to place them inside her patrol car. Images posted on Facebook by the Sheriff's Office show the trio of adorable kittens perched on the deputy's shoulder and exploring the interior of the patrol car. It's unclear when they will be ready for adoption, but the agency recommend that people interested in giving them a home contact the county's animal control staff.
Man dies following carjacking, kidnapping, dramatic chase
Read full article: Man dies following carjacking, kidnapping, dramatic chaseJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A man charged in a dramatic series of events including a kidnapping, a police chase and a crash in a stolen undercover cruiser has died in the hospital, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office said a deputy was trying to arrest him, when another good Samaritan on a motorcycle attempted to assist the deputy. Bennett, the Sheriff's Office said, was able to break free, get into the undercover cruiser and head south on I-95. Investigators found a 33-year-old woman inside the car deputies said Bennett was driving before he took off in the cruiser. After the man took the undercover cruiser, deputies gave chase.
Deputies: Bloodied man steals unmarked car, crashes on I-95 during PIT maneuver
Read full article: Deputies: Bloodied man steals unmarked car, crashes on I-95 during PIT maneuverThe driver of the vehicle, a man, got out of the car, and another person, a woman, also exited and went in the opposite direction, Mulligan said. The deputy offered assistance, but the man was combative and ran into traffic. RAW VIDEO: Man steals undercover St. Johns County crusierMulligan said an off-duty lieutenant in an unmarked cruiser saw the confrontation and stopped to assist. Deputies gave chase, and one of the pursuing deputies performed a PIT manuever on I-95 south near the exit for State Road 206, bringing the undercover cruiser to a halt, according to Mulligan. A PIT maneuver is a pursuit tactic by which a pursuing car can force a fleeing car to turn sideways and stop.
15-year-old cited for operating golf cart when teen was injured
Read full article: 15-year-old cited for operating golf cart when teen was injuredST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - The teenage boy operating a golf cart in the Durbin Crossing subdivision when a younger teenager fell off and was seriously hurt last month has been cited by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said there were six children on the golf cart July 9 when someone set off a firework and Luke Tabor hit his head on the road. The 15-year-old who was operating the golf cart has been cited with a moving violation. In addition, the golf cart was traveling down North Durbin Parkway, which is a 30 mph roadway; a county law limits the use of golf carts to 25 mph roads. The Sheriffs Office said this latest incident was the third golf cart-related accident involving a head injury in St. Johns County so far this year.