ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – All lanes of Interstate 95 South near County Road 214 reopened just before noon on Monday after a driver was seen waving a gun at vehicles and firing shots, leading to a pursuit with deputies that ended in a crash, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
A woman captured the moments before the crash and sent News4JAX a video that shows the man, who was traveling on a red truck, waving a gun at vehicles while driving recklessly.
Around 9:30 a.m., law enforcement received several 911 calls about a man in a red truck pointing a firearm at vehicles on the interstate. Florida Highway Patrol troopers and St. Johns County deputies responded to the scene following the reports.
According to SJSO, deputies tried to stop the man but fled while pointing the firearm at several law enforcement officers.
“I’m not sure what led him to this behavior beforehand,” St. Johns County Public Information Officer George Harrigan said.
Deputies identified the driver as Samuel O’Neal Gardner, 62.
Watch the latest update from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office in the video below
Deputies said Gardner ultimately crashed in a wooded area south of State Road 16.
According to deputies, a K9 engaged Gardner as deputies attempted to take him out of the truck.
He was airlifted to a trauma center, deputies said.
A civilian vehicle was impacted, but the occupants were evaluated and released at the scene, SJSO said.
Officials said the suspect was arrested and will face charges.
Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions following the crash. All lanes have since reopened, but traffic was moving slowly as of 11:46 a.m.
FHP is helping with the crash investigation. SJSO is conducting an investigation to determine what led up to the incident.
Detectives are conducting follow-up to determine what led to the incident and are asking for the public’s help. If you captured video or photos of the vehicle or occupant please share them with investigators here by visiting this link.
Also, if you were a witness to these events, please contact 904-824-8304 to be put in touch with a detective or email crimetips@sjso.org and a detective will call you back.
