CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A man was injured in a deputy-involved shooting during a traffic stop in Middleburg, authorities said.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened at the corner of Primrose Avenue and Alligator Boulevard, which is off Blanding Boulevard.
CCSO Lt. Shawn Gordon was conducting a traffic stop shortly before midnight, deputies said. The reason for the stop is unclear at this time, but deputies said something happened leading Gordon to shoot the man. Gordon has been with CCSO for 18 years and has no previous officer-involved shootings, CCSO said.
The man, who was identified on Monday afternoon as 33-year-old Timothy Van Griffin, was injured and was taken to the Orange Park Medical Center for treatment. Officials have not said where he was shot or how many times.
However, the suspect's mom and stepfather told Action News Jax he was shot five times. The suspect's family believe the man was unarmed and stayed in his vehicle. CCSO said Van Griffin was in critical but stable condition as of Monday afternoon.
Robert Malley III said he witnessed the incident. He said the suspect pulled into his driveway trying to get away from deputies, but the deputy found him and the suspect threw his truck in reverse, pinning the deputy’s squad car and leaving behind tread marks.
"He tried to run the officer over who was already out of his car, and then the officer discharged his weapon," said Malley. "I counted four shots just trying to stop the individual who just tried to clearly run him over."
Van Griffin has a criminal history in Duval and Clay counties. His previous charges include cruelty to animals, drug charges, fleeing and eluding an officer and grand theft auto.
Gordon, who was not injured, remains on administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the shooting, CCSO said.
CCSO will hold what's called a response to resistance review after FDLE concludes its investigation.
CCSO is expected to provide more information about the shooting.
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