REPORT: Man in Baker County officer-involved shooting died by suicide

BAKER COUNTY, Fla. — UPDATE 1/21/2021: According to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, they were notified that 23-year-old Hunter Combs was making suicidal statements and was armed with a firearm.

Additionally, Combs had outstanding felony arrest warrants with charges related to weapons offenses.

Deputies were dispatched to search the area of Baker County to apprehend Combs and determine the state of his mental health.

During the search, deputies found a source that told them Combs had threatened self-harm and was in possession of a rifle. That same source revealed Combs’ location.

Deputies traveled to John Bethea State Forest Road 6 in Baxter, Florida as the source indicated and found Combs walking along the railroad tracks on Forest Road 6.

When deputies exited their vehicle they were met with gunfire from Combs. Deputies returned fire and approached Combs to find him deceased.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was requested to lead the investigation due to the incident being an officer-involved shooting.

An investigation by the Medical Examiner’s Office has indicated that Combs died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to BCSO. The investigation is still ongoing.

This is a developing story that will be updated once more information becomes available.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating an officer-involved shooting on Thursday, according to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. near FL-2 and County Road 127.

Action News Jax spoke with Baker County Undersheriff Randy Crews and learned that there was an exchange of gunfire and one young man is now deceased.

According to Crews, three deputies were involved and all three are now on administrative leave.

Action News Jax is working to learn more. Check back for updates.

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