Innocent Bystander Seriously Injured in Pursuit with Nassau County Deputies

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper has taken the opportunity to address the recent incident involving a vehicle pursuit initiated by his deputies. The pursuit resulted in a serious injury to an innocent bystander, and Sheriff Leeper wants to clarify the circumstances surrounding the chase.

According to Sheriff Leeper, the pursuit was triggered when a deputy observed a crime in progress at the Kohl’s Department store in Yulee, Florida. As the suspects attempted to flee the retail store, they reversed their vehicle and intentionally collided with the front of the deputy’s patrol car. The deputy then attempted to peacefully apprehend the suspects, but they made a deliberate and dangerous attempt to strike the deputy with their vehicle. This blatant disregard for human life led to the initiation of the vehicle pursuit.

The pursuit continued as at least four suspects ran from law enforcement, eventually resulting in a crash with an innocent bystander’s vehicle at the intersection of SR 200 and Santa Barbara St. Sheriff Leeper expressed his deep regret that someone else was hurt as a result of the suspects’ actions, stating that it weighed heavily on his heart to know that the innocent bystander was in the hospital instead of being with their family during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Of the four suspects involved, three remain in the hospital receiving medical treatment. One suspect, Jacorey Devon Haney, has already been booked into the county jail and charged with retail theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Additional, more serious charges are pending for Haney and the other suspects, Antonio Williams, Brishea Glover, and Mashonda Corley, who are all from Jacksonville. These charges include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and aggravated fleeing.

Sheriff Leeper emphasized that it is not the policy of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office to initiate a vehicle pursuit solely for property crimes or retail theft due to the inherent danger to the public. The pursuit in this case was a direct result of the suspects’ deliberate attempt to harm or kill the deputy. The sheriff condemned the criminals’ actions, stating that they showed a blatant disregard for human life.

This incident remains an active investigation, and Sheriff Leeper assured the public that more charges are pending. The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation into the vehicle crash aspect of the incident, and further information will be released when available.

In conclusion, Sheriff Bill Leeper expressed his commitment to protecting the citizens of Nassau County and keeping the community safe. He acknowledged the harm caused by criminals who break the law and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the county from such individuals. Sheriff Leeper’s heartfelt statement reflects his dedication to upholding the law and ensuring the well-being of the community he and his family call home..