MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — An investigation is underway after a deputy-involved shooting with the Clay County Sheriff's Office in Middleburg.
The suspect is accused of firing a gun at law enforcement when police caught up with her at a cemetery following a chase Tuesday afternoon.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said the suspect is a woman who was experiencing a mental health episode. Dispatch got multiple calls about her, and she began driving recklessly when a sergeant pulled up behind her.
It started just before 11 a.m. and ended at a cemetery down the road from the Hillside neighborhood. People who live in the area told First Coast News they could hear shots ringing out.
Cherelle was at her home off Old Jennings Rd. painting the front door with one of her young daughters when she heard yelling nearby.
"It got kind of aggressive sounding,” she said, “and then I heard what was maybe 10 to 15 shots in a row like bam bam bam bam bam."
Meanwhile, she got a message that her second grader's school Tynes Elementary was on lock down because of police activity in the area.
"Being a mom your kids are always in the forefront,” she said, “so I just didn't like how close it was to the school. Her safety was my top priority."
Two more deputies arrived at the cemetery, trying to de-escalate the situation while waiting on negotiators and a swat team.
"During these negotiations, she fired a round inside the vehicle,” Cook said, “and another short time later fired at least one round towards our deputies."
Cook said deputies returned fired. When the woman asked for a cigarette, they tossed a pack toward her.
Then they were able to tackle her and take her into custody. Her name has not been released.
Cherelle said it's a relief that was no one was hurt, but now they’re hoping to install a gate at the front of the neighborhood’s entrance.
"I'm glad everything was taken care of, but it was still very unnerving," she said.
The woman involved was taken to the hospital with what appeared to be at least one gunshot wound. Sheriff Cook said the three deputies involved were not injured.