JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 29-year-old man police said hit a Jacksonville police officer with his car as people were leaving a Southside nightclub early Sunday morning faced a judge Monday on a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Cecil Evans was ordered held on $100,000 bond.
Officer D.E. Holly Jr., who was working off-duty helping direct traffic just after 2 a.m. at the Pure Nighclub at the intersection of Baymeadows Road and Philips Highway, was struck by a Dodge Charger. Police said the car was driving slowly, then suddenly started speeding. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Chief Chris Butler said the car clipped a cone and struck a car before hitting Holly, knocking him over the hood of the car.
Holly got up and began running after the car, firing two shots, hitting the car, but missing the driver, later identified as Evans.
Evans was blocked from leaving the parking lot by backed-up traffic, and he was taken into custody, police said.
Police retrieved an AK-47-style rifle from the front seat of the car. Police said it appeared to have a full magazine of ammunition.
Holly suffered no serious injuries. He has been with JSO for 25 years and retires in 35 days. This was the second time in his career he fired shots at a suspect.
Evans listed his employer as the U.S. Navy. According to the arrest report, he gave an inconsistent statement about what happened, saying he never struck anything.
Evans may not be stationed locally, as jail records indicate Evans has been in Jacksonville about a month.