this truck crashed after a man waved a gun at motorists on Interstate 95 and then crashed when police chased him. | St. Johns County Sheriff's Department
Published on March 3, 2025 at 4:03 pm
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All southbound lanes of Interstate 95 were closed in St. Johns County on Monday morning after a driver was seen waving a gun at vehicles and firing shots.
The suspect crashed while deputies chased him, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions after the crash. All lanes reopened just before noon.
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Deputies identified the driver as Samuel O’Neil Gardner, 62. Investigators were trying to determine what led to the behavior on the highway.
The department asked anyone who captured video or photos of the vehicle or occupant to share them with investigators at this link.
Witnesses also can call 904-824-8304 or email crimetips@sjso.org and a detective will call you back.
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Police said they received several 911 calls about a man in a red truck near County Road 214 about 9:30 a.m. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies tried to stop him, but he fled while pointing the gun at several law enforcement officers.
Deputies said Gardner ultimately crashed in a wooded area south of State Road 16.
A police dog was used to subdue Gardner as deputies tried to take him out of the truck. He was airlifted to a trauma center, deputies said.
A civilian vehicle was affected, but the occupants were evaluated and released at the scene, the Sheriff’s Office said.
