St. Augustine Shooting Incident: Details Emerge Before Deputies Engage Armed Suspect
St. Augustine Shooting Incident: Armed Suspect Shot by Deputies After Disturbance Call
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A chaotic scene unfolded in St. Augustine on Tuesday when deputies from the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call that led to the fatal shooting of an armed suspect, identified as 43-year-old Kristopher Lee Johnson.
The incident began when Johnson placed a call to emergency services, during which a disturbance was audible in the background. Witnesses reported hearing Johnson instruct someone to “get on your knees” before gunfire erupted. This alarming situation prompted immediate action from law enforcement, who were dispatched to what was described as an active shooter scenario at 38 Thomas Industry Way.
As deputies arrived, additional 911 calls flooded in, detailing a man firing shots at another individual. The victim managed to escape the barrage of bullets and flagged down a passing vehicle on International Golf Parkway, successfully fleeing the scene.
In a twist of events, Johnson reportedly entered the victim’s abandoned vehicle and began searching for him. Law enforcement spotted Johnson driving south on US1 near White Castle Road and executed a PIT maneuver to bring the vehicle to a halt.
Emerging from the vehicle with a gun in hand, Johnson approached stopped traffic, reportedly challenging deputies by demanding they shoot him. Ignoring commands to drop his weapon, deputies fired at Johnson, who was subsequently transported to a nearby medical facility, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators revealed that Johnson and the victim had arranged to meet, with the latter expressing surprise at the violent turn of events. In accordance with standard protocol, the two deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with video footage of the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. The St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to gather information as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.
For updates and further details, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local news outlets.