Jacksonville man pulls trigger on what he thought was an unloaded gun. He accidentally killed his friend: NCSO
A 26-year-old Jacksonville man is facing manslaughter charges after what deputies call a deadly accidental shooting that happened in Nassau County on Saturday night, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy arrested after 6-hour standoff in Wildlight community ‘no longer employed’ by Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
A Nassau County deputy who was barricaded in a home in the Wildlight community for six hours earlier this month is “no longer employed” by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, a spokesperson told News4JAX.
How law enforcement agencies are recruiting future officers in a difficult climate
Small towns and big cities alike are struggling to recruit and retain law enforcement officers amid national controversy over the police profession. Many veteran officers are retiring, leaving agencies in a bidding war for qualified candidates — as they try to hire the next generation to protect and serve.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office releases bodycam footage from deadly shooting of woman holding ‘BB-style rifle’
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday released body camera footage from early Jan. 11 when, according to the sheriff, a deputy shot and killed a woman who was “holding a BB-style rifle.”
State declines formal charges against former Fernandina Beach detective who was accused of sexual battery
The State Attorney’s Office has declined to file formal charges against a former Fernandina Beach Police Department (FBPD) detective, who in June was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman, according to court documents obtained Thursday by News4JAX.
Bodycam footage released of arrests made in Nassau County ‘Operation Keystroke’
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office on Friday released deputy-worn body camera footage that was taken as authorities made arrests in a four-day operation referred to as “Operation Keystroke,” which targeted people suspected of using the internet to solicit sex from minors.
Nassau County sheriff: 54 arrests made, hundreds of pounds of drugs seized in ‘Operation: Heavyweights’
A monthslong, multi-agency investigation named “Operation: Heavyweights” has resulted in 54 arrests and the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper announced Tuesday.
Help is on the way: Northeast Florida officials role out Monday to extend a helping hand down south
Law enforcement officials from all across Northeast Florida have packed up their things, gathered their crews and headed down south early Monday morning to help out fellow sheriff’s offices impacted by Hurricane Ian’s devastating aftermath.
Yulee Middle School student who threatened to ‘shoot up the school’ charged with stalking, cyberstalking: deputies
A 12-year-old boy was arrested on charges of cyberstalking Friday after he made repeated comments threatening violence at his school, according to a report from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
Pickpocket trio appears to be targeting women in grocery stores, Nassau County authorities say
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office says it’s investigating at least five cases of pickpocketing in its jurisdiction that are believed to be part of a theft ring — and other cases have been reported in Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville.
Gov. DeSantis proposes $5K signing bonus to attract cops to Florida, including unvaccinated ones
Gov. Ron DeSantis told Fox News on Sunday he is hoping the Florida Legislature will pass legislation granting a $5,000 bonus to police officers who may be unvaccinated and want to relocate to the Sunshine State.
Schools, trains, traffic: Community impacts of manhunt for suspect accused of shooting deputy
Road closures affected school bus pickups and drop-offs and trains were shut down, blocking some people in their homes Friday morning, as investigators searched for a suspect accused of shooting a Nassau County deputy.
Family rescued after boat strikes object near St. Marys jetties
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Six people, including four children, had to be rescued after their boat struck an object Friday near the St. Marys jetties, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. According to a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, one of the children on board called 911. That child was able to inform a dispatch operator that their boat was taking on water before the call dropped. AdThe 17-foot vessel was dewatered and brought to the nearest boat ramp. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office transferred the family from the Coast Guard cutter onto its boat and escorted them to a boat ramp in St. Marys.
2 stopped in Jacksonville murder victim’s stolen car charged with theft, burglary
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two suspects taken into custody in Nassau County on Tuesday night were in a stolen car belonging to one of two people found dead Monday in a home on Jacks Road in Northwest Jacksonville, according to News4Jax sources. According to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assisted Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigators with a stop at the Circle K on U.S. 1 near Ratliff Road at about 10:30 p.m.Nassau deputies said there were three young people -- two males and one female -- inside the vehicle when it was stopped. JSO jail records show only two of the trio were charged with vehicle theft and burglary. Sources told News4Jax that the two -- whose names and ages have not been released -- are not suspected of the killings. AdNeighbors in that Biltmore neighborhood said Purvis’ car was taken from their house the morning after they were killed and that one of the people later detained in the stolen car was one of Dean’s grandchildren.
Get a call from a Nassau County deputy? Make sure it’s legitimate
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a recent police impersonation scam. In a Facebook post Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said a resident recently got a phone call from someone who identified themselves as Deputy Charles Lee. The victim fell for the scam and lost thousands of dollars they loaded onto prepaid gift cards, according to the Sheriff’s Office. They also will not ask that people send prepaid gift cards, money orders or credit card payments over the phone. If you believe you’ve received a scam call, contact the Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line by calling 904-225-5174.
Nassau County loses deputy to COVID-19
Deputy Jack Gwynes, who co-workers lovingly called “Grumpy,” has died of complications of COVID-19, according to a spokeswoman for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. “Please keep the family and friends of Deputy Jack Gwynes in your thoughts,” the Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Gwynes was hired by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and served in one capacity or other in law enforcement before becoming a Nassau County deputy in April 2019. “Rest in peace, Deputy Gwynes,” the Florida Sheriff’s Association wrote on Facebook. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gwynes family and Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.”In lieu of flowers, Gwynes’ family encourages donations to liveforbrie.com or nationalpolicewives.org.
Head-on crash snarls US 17 on Tuesday morning
Two drivers were injured -- one serionsly -- in this crash on U.S. 17. YULEE, Fla. – The drivers of a pickup truck and a car injured in a head-on crash on U.S. 17 just north of Duval-Nassau county about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. According to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the driver of the pickup truck lost control and struck a car coming the other direction. The elderly driver of the pickup had only minor injuries. Northbound traffic on U.S. 17 was backed up to Pecan Park Road in Duval County.
Nassau County woman arrested after attempting to steal school bus
YULEE, Fla. – A woman in Nassau County was arrested Friday night, accused of attempting to steal a school bus from the Nassau County School Board. Melissa Gail Lacey, 48, was found lying down on the floor of the bus which was parked in front of a house around 2:30 a.m., according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. Homeowners found Lacey’s car in their driveway and, after discovering she was in the bus, told authorities she did not have permission to be in there. NCSO said the key was in the bus ignition and the airlock doors were pulled open. She was transported to the Nassau County Detention Facility.
15-year-old driver crashes SUV into pool, Nassau County deputies say
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – A 15-year-old was taken into custody Sunday after crashing an SUV into a swimming pool at a home on Eastwind Drive, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday. The 15-year-old driver, who does not have a license, tried to get away on foot, but a deputy and K-9 caught up with him and arrested him, the Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies said the SUV had two teenage passengers inside. No one was injured in the crash, deputies said, but two homeowners had damage from the crash.
Man with knife shot, killed by deputy, Nassau County says
CALLAHAN, Fla. – The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy responding to a domestic call in Callahan on Friday shot and killed a man who had threatened his brother with a knife. Family identified the man who was killed as Justin Dawley. Deputies said they had negotiated with the man for about 15 minutes when he lunged at them with the knife. The man shot wasn’t identified by authorities, but Undersheriff Roy Henderson said he was in his 30s or 40s and the Sheriff’s Office had responded to domestic violence calls at that home before and the man who was killed had made suicidal statements in the past. That’s different from what the sheriff’s office said on Friday.
Nassau County deputies warn real estate agents to be careful when showing houses
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is warning real estate agents to be careful when meeting for appointments to show houses. The warning comes after several real estate agents in Nassau County reported that a man called them and asked to see properties as soon as possible, according to the Sheriff’s Office. “The man’s manner was very urgent," the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post Thursday. Deputies now are asking real estate agents to report any suspicious activity by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 904-225-5174. “Sometimes with real estate, we get a lot of crazy calls," said Burch, who ranks ninth on a list of Florida’s top 100 real estate agents on social media.
Authorities: Armed woman who made threats shot, killed by Nassau deputy
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A SWAT team member shot and killed a woman Tuesday night who brandished a firearm and threatened to “blow everyone away,” according to a spokesperson for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. According to the Sheriff’s Office, after returning to her house, the 48-year-old got into an argument with her father. That deputy shot one time, Leeper said, killing her. There is no body camera footage of the shooting because the Nassau County deputies don’t have them. The Sheriff’s Office said the deputy who shot the woman has been with the department for about three years, and this was his first deputy-involved shooting.
74-year-old pilot killed in plane crash north of Hilliard
HILLIARD, Fla. – A pilot died when a single-engine, homebuilt plane crashed Monday afternoon in a wooded area near the Florida-Georgia border, authorities said. The FAA said the pilot was the only person aboard the plane, which was registered out of Palm Coast. While it’s too early to say wind played a factor in the crash, Booth said it can’t be ruled out. Booth said if the plane caught on fire after the crash, that’s a sign the plane was not out of fuel. NTSB is investigating the September 21, 2020 crash in Hilliard, FL, involving an RV-8 aircraft.
Deputies: Boy, 12, brings 3 guns to Nassau County school
CALLAHAN, Fla. – A 12-year-old Nassau County boy was arrested Thursday after deputies say he brought three guns and ammo to a private Christian school in Callahan. "She discovered the butt of a gun and turned it over to the principal,” who told deputies he found a revolver, a second handgun and two boxes of .380 caliber ammunition inside. The teacher said Stanford told her he had brought the guns to school to show the principal. Inside his desk was a drawing of a man outside of a school with guns. The child’s mother, Sasha Lewis, told deputies the family has guns at home, but she thought the gun safe was locked.
Man & woman arrested in Nassau County shootout
YULEE, Fla. – Nassau County deputies arrested a man and woman Monday in connection with a recent shooting that unfolded outside a Yulee tattoo parlor. John Michael Kite, 37, and Ashley Blair Morgan, 36, were arrested after they came forward Monday, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies answering that call found a man with gunshot wounds to his stomach and left wrist lying on the sidewalk near the business. They said the victim and a man from the car got into a shootout, and one of the minors was struck during the exchange. The suspected shooter was dropped off in Fernandina and the wounded minor was taken to a Jacksonville hospital, witnesses said.
3-year-old drowns in pool in Yulee
YULEE, Fla. – Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said deputies called to a home in Yulee on Thursday morning found a monther giving a 3-year-old girl CPR. Deputies, then Nassau County Fire-Rescue took over while the child was taken to UF Health North, but she could not be revived. According to the report, the mother found the girl floating in the pool of their home on Plummer’s Creek Drive before 9 a.m., brought her inside and began CPR. The child’s name was not given. The case was turned over to two Nassau County detectives, but no foul play was suspected.
Beaches in Nassau County to close, some Northeast Florida beaches still open
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – While Duval County beaches have closed to the COVID-19 pandemic, some beaches in surrounding counties, including Nassau and St. Johns, were still open Saturday afternoon. Although vehicles are not currently permitted on St. Johns County beaches, all 42 miles of its beaches are were open to pedestrians Saturday afternoon. Hours later, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office announced its beaches would be closing at 6 a.m. Sunday. Earlier in the day, many people flocked to beaches in Nassau County. “I’m just amazed at the people here,” said Jeanne Prudot Mercer, a Nassau County resident.