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24-year-old dead after exchange of gunfire with officers in Baker County

Deputies were attempting to locate Hunter Combs for several days regarding outstanding felony arrest warrants with charges relating to weapons offenses.

BAKER COUNTY, Fla — A man is dead after an exchange of gunfire with the Baker County Sheriff's Office, according to Undersheriff Randy Crews.

Hunter Combs, 24, died during the incident, according to deputies.

Crews told First Coast News it happened around 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the woods along Florida 2 near the Baxter area of Baker County.

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office was notified that Combs was making suicidal statements and was armed with a firearm. 

Deputies were attempting to locate Combs for several days regarding outstanding felony arrest warrants with charges relating to weapons offenses. While actively searching the area of Baker County, where Combs was believed to be, deputies were able to make contact with a source who provided detailed information about the potential location of Combs. 

In an effort to apprehend and determine the state of Combs’ mental health, deputies traveled to John Bethea State Forest Road 6 in Baxter. 

When deputies arrived at Forest Road 6, Combs was observed walking along the railroad tracks. Upon exiting their vehicles, deputies say they were met with gunfire by Combs, who was approximately 300 yards away. 

Deputies returned fire then approached Combs where he was found to be dead. 

No member of BCSO was injured during the incident. 

The preliminary investigation conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office indicates that Combs died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Further investigation is pending.

Three deputies are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

First Coast News will update with the latest information as soon as it is available.

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