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St. Johns County armed robbery suspect dies after police pursuit, deputies say

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Witnesses were left stunned Friday after a suspect led police on a high-speed chase after a robbery in St. Johns County.

A still-unidentified suspect is accused of robbing a Christmas tree lot on State Road 210 and I-95, then fleeing in a black SUV.

As the chase neared State Road 16 at World Golf Village, authorities deployed spike strips. The suspect plowed into a grey sedan, sending both cars off the road.

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Authorities believe the suspect may have shot himself before he crashed into the car; he was seen pointing a gun at his head during the chase.

The victim in the grey sedan was conscious and alert at the scene.

"It seems like the most bizarre things happen around the holidays," said witness John Denmark. "I don’t know why that is. It just seems that way. It just makes you feel very unsettled.”

The incident closed State Road 16 in each direction for an extended amount of time.

The suspect was witnessed by deputies in the pursuit place a firearm to his head, SJSO said. The vehicle lost control and crashed into a motorist not involved in the incident.

The suspect, who hasn't been named, died at the scene.

The driver who was hit during the incident was taken to a hospital for treatment. The severity of the injuries are unknown.

The investigation is ongoing.

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WATCH LIVE: We are on the way to a reported St. Johns County robbery that ended at State Road 16 and World Golf Village (note: No audio due to chopper video)

Posted by Action News Jax on Friday, December 16, 2016

HAPPENING RIGHT NOW: The SJSO is on scene where an armed robbery occurred just a little while ago. The suspect is in...

Posted by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on Friday, December 16, 2016

UPDATE: The SJSO has responded to an Armed Robbery call in the area of 210 and I-95. While responding to the area,...

Posted by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on Friday, December 16, 2016
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