ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – All lanes of Interstate 95 south near County Road 214 reopened just before noon Monday after a driver was seen waving a gun at vehicles and firing shots, leading to a pursuit with deputies that ended in a crash in St. Johns County, News 6 partner WJXT-TV reported.
A woman captured the moments before the crash and sent WJXT-TV a video that shows the driver, who was traveling in a red pickup truck, waving a gun at vehicles while driving recklessly.
[VIDEO: Driver opens fire on I-95 in Florida]
Around 9:30 a.m., law enforcement received several 911 calls about a driver pointing a firearm at vehicles on the interstate. Florida Highway Patrol troopers and St. Johns County deputies responded to the scene following the reports.
According to SJSO, deputies tried to stop the suspect, but he fled while pointing the firearm at several law enforcement officers.
“I’m not sure what led him to this behavior beforehand,” St. Johns County Public Information Officer George Harrigan said.
The suspect ultimately crashed in a wooded area south of State Road 16.
According to deputies, a K9 engaged the driver as deputies attempted to take him out of the truck.
He was airlifted to a trauma center, deputies said.
A civilian vehicle was impacted, but the occupants were evaluated and released at the scene, SJSO said.
Officials said the suspect was arrested and will face charges.
Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions following the crash. All lanes have since reopened, but traffic was moving slowly as of 11:46 a.m.
FHP is helping with the crash investigation. SJSO is conducting an investigation to determine what led up to the incident.