Parents on St. Johns County manhunt: 'I heard Florida was crazy'

St. Johns County deputies are searching for a man on the run after he crashed a stolen truck near a busy intersection.

Deputies say he crashed a stolen truck and then tried forcing his way into cars on U.S. 1 near Race Track Road before running into a wooded area.

Deputies are not sure if he’s armed, but say they can’t rule it out.

Some neighbors were shocked to learn a man on the run from police was last seen so close to the place they call home.

Caleb Hall and Mina Countz, parents of three kids, moved here from South Carolina days ago.

“I heard Florida was crazy, but I guess this is the welcome,” said Hall, who moved to a nearby apartment complex.

“This is really crazy, it’s kind of, like, unexpected,” Countz said .

A witness caught a glimpse of the suspect and captured a picture she shared with deputies. The man is described as a white or Hispanic male wearing a white tank top and black shorts.

Deputies say he crashed a stolen truck near the Duval/St. Johns County line before trying to force his way into parked cars, and eventually fleeing into the woods. They searched on the ground and in the air all morning.

RELATED: Deputies: Suspect sought after escaping, trying to pull motorists' door handles

“We don’t know what this individual’s capabilities and his intentions are with anyone,” said St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Chuck Mulligan.

Officers said he tried forcing his way into cars in broad daylight, all while carrying a mysterious bag.

“We would just ask everyone to be cautious, call 911 if they see him and not approach the individual himself,” Mulligan said.

“Who knows where he’s going to be at? Who knows what he can do next?” Hall asked.

Deputies are trying to answer these questions Wednesday night. If you come in contact with the suspect, deputies say do not approach, and call 911 immediately.

Cox Media Group