CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County man is behind bars after multiple residents called 911 Wednesday to report a man walking along Short Horn Road waving an AR-15-style rifle and threatening to shoot people.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately after it received the calls. Callers told dispatchers the man was approaching vehicles and had put several community members in fear for their lives.
Deputies identified the man as Anthony Hagan. Patrol deputies, Task Force units, and SWAT teams responded and set up a perimeter around his home.
While SWAT members were monitoring the residence, Hagan got into his vehicle and attempted to leave. Because of the active charges against him and the threat he posed to the community, SWAT members moved to stop the vehicle. Hagan drove into a ditch before surrendering to deputies. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Hagan faces six counts of aggravated assault, along with an outstanding warrant for trespassing.
Sheriff Michelle Cook said the response was a clear example of how the agency’s units work together.
“This is a prime example of how our patrol and specialty units work together to keep our community safe,” Cook said. “We had a dangerous and erratic individual who posed a serious threat to our community. Thanks to the quick response and coordination of our team, he was taken off our streets safely and promptly.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through SaferWatch, or by contacting First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing **TIPS or texting SAFEFC to 738477.
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