Criminal past of 'armed and dangerous' man wanted in Clay County spans 20 years

Clay County Sheriff's Office deputies are looking for a man they're calling "armed and dangerous" who has a criminal past that spans 20 years.

Jerry Duggan, 48, has a lengthy criminal history that includes arrests in Nassau and Duval counties.

Duggan is wanted on several charges after he allegedly pulled a knife on an officer and hit a detective while fleeing in his car.

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The Sheriff’s Office said Duggan was one of three people seen shoplifting at Bealls on Blanding Boulevard. The police report said Duggan pulled a knife on a loss prevention officer who confronted him.

“I think they should hunt him down,” said shopper Bernice Smith. “He had a knife. That’s armed and dangerous.”

Duggan is also accused of causing an accident after driving off from the store. After two detectives spotted his car and tried to stop him, the Sheriff's Office said Duggan kept going and nearly hit the detectives.

We checked Duggan's criminal history and found that in 2010, he was arrested for petit theft of retail. He pleaded guilty. In 2013, he pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary. He was sentenced to two years in state prison. Now, the 48-year-old is in trouble with the law again, and this time, he is facing more serious charges.

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“He has a knife and the police have to stop him before he hurts someone else,” Smith said.

If you have any information on Duggan's whereabouts, you're asked to contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Duggan was last seen driving a black Ford Fusion with Florida tag number 001RYH. If you recognize him or the car, do not approach him -- call the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Cox Media Group