The Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident at Holly Hill Cemetery on Old Jennings Road, where at least three deputies were involved in a shooting with a woman. The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday.
Sheriff Michelle Cook stated that deputies received multiple notifications about a person potentially experiencing a mental health crisis. The woman was observed driving recklessly from the Oak Leaf area to Middleburg, including running a red light and driving into oncoming traffic.
Following a brief pursuit, the woman arrived at Holly Hill Cemetery. One of the deputies, who was reportedly a friend of the woman, attempted to de-escalate the situation. The woman informed the deputies that she had a gun and was drinking what appeared to be alcohol.
During negotiations, the woman fired a round inside the vehicle and at least one round toward the deputies. In response, the deputies returned fire, and the woman was believed to have been hit. No deputies sustained injuries.
While waiting for negotiators and SWAT to arrive, the deputies continued attempts to de-escalate the situation. The woman requested a pack of cigarettes, and deputies used a ballistic shield to approach her vehicle and deliver it. Subsequently, they employed a non-lethal weapon to apprehend her, and she was taken into custody.
Clay County Fire and Rescue provided medical treatment, and the woman was transported to a local hospital. The incident is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the state attorney’s office.