Deputies: Man points gun at law enforcement officer

DCF, deputies went to home to take custody of child

Clay County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Thomas Adams

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – A Clay County man was arrested Wednesday night on two charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The next day a charge of capital sexual battery was added.

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Deputies were called to 60-year-old Thomas Adams' home in the 4000 block of Country Meadows Drive in Middleburg about 7:30 p.m. They went there to assist the Department of Children and Families while DCF took a child from the home.

Deputies said Adams answered the door and had his right hand behind his back, and deputies feared he may have had a weapon behind him. According to deputies, Adams said, "You're not taking (the child)," then pulled 9mm handgun and pointed it at a deputy.

The deputy was able to grab the gun out of Adams' hand and strike him on the head numerous times with his own weapon, according to the Sheriff's Office. The deputy said he used that defensive tactic because of the close proximity of Adams.

Deputies said Adams struggled with them, but they were able to take him to the ground and restrain him. Adams sustained minor head injuries and was taken to Orange Park Medical Center, where he was medically cleared.

Adams' wife later told deputies that Adams retrieved the gun from his bedroom after she told him police cars were parked in front of the home.

Adams has no prior arrest record in Clay County.  He is being held without bond.

The two deputies involved have been with the Sheriff's Office for 26 and 14 years.