An officer was seriously injured and hospitalized after being hit by a suspect's vehicle during a crime spree Wednesday.
JSO says a robbery, kidnapping, and auto theft began around 2 p.m. at Lucky Charms Arcade near the corner of Old Mayport Road and A1A.
Police say the suspect, a male in his 20s, began an armed robbery around 2:08, emptying cash into a backpack he brought into the arcade.
After being alerted by an employee or business owner watching the store's security cameras on his mobile device, police from the Atlantic Beach Police Department, Neptune Beach Police Department, as well as JSO's patrol, K9 and air units responded to the robbery.
The suspect fled the business, but police were able to track him down to the 900 block of Stern Drive South with help of citizen tips from the area.
It was in this area police say the suspect encountered a citizen and left in a vehicle belonging to that citizen around 2:34 p.m.
A neighbor captured the vehicle leaving the citizen's garage on video. In the video, you can see the car pulling out of the driveway, and armed officers meeting it in the street.
First Coast News spoke with the suitemate of the victim who police say was kidnapped from his home.
A witness caught part of scene in-action as armed officers pursued the getaway car through a Mayport area neighborhood on Rudder Road.
At 2:37 p.m. police say the suspect intentionally rammed a JSO officer who was outside his vehicle on the side of Mayport Rd. near the intersection of Wonderwood.
A second officer was injured around 2:40 when that officer attempted a 'vehicle intervention tactic' on Atlantic Blvd. near Kernan.
According to JSO, the suspect continued to flee, running numerous traffic lights and reaching speeds over 100 mph until an off-duty K9 officer performed a successful 'immobilization tactic' on the suspect's vehicle.
The suspect's car spun into a power pole near the corner of St. Johns Bluff and Atlantic Blvd. where it caught fire as wires fell down on it. The car hit the power pole so hard, the pole snapped in half, knocking out power to nearby neighborhoods and setting fire to grass next to Atlantic Blvd.
JFRD responded to the scene and removed the suspect and the alleged kidnapped citizen from the vehicle.
The citizen, suspect, and two injured officers were transported to the hospital where they are being treated for their injuries.
Police have not confirmed the suspect's identity but believe he may have a criminal background.
TIMELINE RECAP
- 2:08 Lucky Charms Arcade on Mayport Road reported a suspect in his 20s robbing business at gunpoint. The complainant was watching a remote live feed of the business after employee texted concerns about the suspect’s conduct. Suspect locked another patron in bathroom and had employee empty cash into backpack
- 2:15 Suspect ran out of business
- 2:34 Suspect left a home near Stern Drive South, after kidnapping the home’s resident, and stealing a vehicle belonging to the victim
- 2:37 Suspect intentionally rammed a JSO officer standing on side of Mayport Road near Wonderwood
- 2:40 Second officer injured as he attempted “vehicle intervention tactic” on Atlantic near Kernan
- 2:45 Successful vehicle intervention performed by K9 Officer. Car crashed into JEA pole, car caught on fire with wires down on it. Suspect, kidnap victim and 2 injured officers all transported to hospital
TRAFFIC UPDATES:
- Because of the police presence, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority have detoured routes 10, 23, 24, 109 and 202 until further notice.
- Atlantic Blvd. WB shut down from Kernan Blvd. to St. Johns Bluff Rd. for "extended period of time." Detour is NB Kernan Blvd. to McCormick Rd. or SB Kernan Blvd. to Beach Blvd.
This story is developing and will be updated when further information becomes available.