𝐒𝐉𝐒𝐎 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 On Thursday, September 24, 2026, SJSO deputies responded to the Vilano Bridge in reference to an individual at the top of the bridge in distress. Upon arrival, deputies quickly recognized the man was experiencing a mental health crisis and expressing thoughts of self-harm. As he threatened to jump, deputies showed compassion, pleading for him to come down. Within ten minutes, deputies convinced the individual to step down and brought him to safety. He was transported to a healthcare facility for care. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙅𝙤𝙝𝙣𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛'𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. Protecting our community isn't always about making arrests or responding to crime. Every day, deputies answer calls involving mental health crises and provide support and compassion to those in need. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. In an emergency, call 911. 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: • UF Health St. Johns Behavioral Health Resource Center - open 24/7 with clinicians on staff and available to assist during a crisis. No appointment is needed. • EPIC Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team – 24/7 service, call 904-495-7001, or dial 988 and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request. • St. Augustine Youth Services Mobile Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 5-25 years old. Dial 988 or 911 and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request. • Vinson Foundation - Support group for St. Johns, Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, and Orange Park, for families who lost someone to suicide. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: • Call 211 - Local experts are available 24/7 to help. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous. • Hope for Healing Florida - Hope for Healing navigates the many ways Floridians can access help for mental health and substance abuse. 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 for help. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or someone you know. • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol. • Veterans Crisis Line - Text 838255 or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 • Crisis Text Line - Text "Home" to 741741 • Teen Line - Text “Teen” to 839863

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞! That's a wrap on National Forensic Science Week. The SJSO Forensic Unit works around the clock to support personnel at crime scenes. Their expertise is essential to the SJSO mission to solve crimes, and their professionalism, skill, and dedication to accuracy play a vital role in every investigation. #TeamSJSO

𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐋𝐀𝐁, 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐇 A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigation led detectives to a St. Augustine home, and resulted in the recovery of suspected narcotics, firearms, drug-manufacturing equipment, and thousands of dollars in cash. During the investigation, SIU detectives conducted multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl from Tyler Marrs (30). Detectives also identified a private website operated by Marrs for the purchase and delivery of narcotics. On September 3, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at Marrs’ home on Timberwood Drive in St. Augustine and recovered: 🔴 11 firearms 🔴 Two drones 🔴 5.5g of Fentanyl 🔴 78.2 grams of a suspected synthetic opioid, a schedule 1 Controlled Substance 🔴 3.7g of Methamphetamine 🔴 18g of an unidentified white powdery substance 🔴 122.5g of various pills 🔴 22 Suboxone Films 🔴 Precursor Chemicals 🔴 $22,477 in cash Detectives also located a pill press, 3D printer, laboratory manual, packaging and labels, a money counter, glassware, vials, and other equipment consistent with the manufacturing and distribution of narcotics. Marrs was arrested and charged with Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Sell, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell, Possession of a Legend Drug with Intent to Sell, Use or Display of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Manufacture or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia, and Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt individuals involved in the illegal distribution of dangerous drugs in St. Johns County.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged Jake Matthew (34) with multiple felony offenses, including: Aggravated Animal Cruelty, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, False Report to Law Enforcement, Unlawful Disposal of a Dead Animal, and Using an Animal to Fight or Bait.  On August 25, 2026, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Ninth Street in Elkton after receiving multiple calls reporting gunshots near Matthew's home. Deputies did not locate anything suspicious at the time. The next day, deputies returned to the area after the remains of a decapitated adult female dog were discovered at a vacant lot on Tenth Street.  SJSO Property Crimes Detectives executed a search warrant at Matthew's home, locating additional mutilated dog remains, a gun cleaning kit with gun oil, a box used to store pistols, several other items and accessories. No firearm was recovered. Matthew is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess any firearms. On September 2, 2026, detectives executed a second search warrant, locating several 9MM shell casings in the backyard near the area where the dog's remains had been found, along with a fired bullet from a tree truck. Detectives also located two dead cats on the property and seized two adult male dogs, eight puppies, and two piglets.  A necropsy conducted by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine determined the dog, identified as Matthew's adult female dog, 'Daisy', was shot several times at close range. Based on the investigation, detectives believe Matthew killed Daisy in the backyard using a 9MM handgun. Matthew was arrested on September 17, 2026, and is currently in custody at the St. Johns County Jail on $45,750 bond.

𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞! The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Forensics Unit identifies, documents, collects, and examines evidence that supports SJSO personnel at crime scenes. Our forensics unit consists of: Crime Scene, Latent Prints, NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network), and Evidence. From processing scenes and lifting fingerprints to examining evidence with specialized technology, their work requires patience, precision, and a commitment to following the facts. The forensics unit is essential to the SJSO mission to solve crimes, and we are proud of the work they deliver everyday. #TeamSJSO

𝗟𝗣𝗥 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆   On September 17, 2026, just before 3pm, deputies from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to a License Plate Reader (LPR) alert. The license plate was assigned to a vehicle registered to David Kegley, and it was traveling near County Road 210 and Beach Walk. The notification identified David Kegley, a convicted felon with four active felony warrants from Duval County, Florida. Using the LPR system, deputies quickly located Kegley’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, which escalated into a vehicle pursuit. Kegley abandoned his vehicle near International Golf Parkway (IGP) and Bannon Lakes Blvd, and was subsequently found near a 7-Eleven, where he was confronted by deputies.   Kegley placed a knife to his throat and refused commands to surrender. He attempted to take his own life by inflicting multiple wounds to his neck. Deputies deployed Tasers several times before successfully securing Kegley. Immediate medical aid was rendered by deputies on scene until the arrival of St John’s County Fire Rescue. Kegley was airlifted to HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital in critical condition however he is expected to survive.    Kegley was arrested for the following additional charges:   Burglary Traveling Across County Lines Unoccupied Conveyance Unarmed (3 counts), Possessing Stolen Credit/Debit Card (5 counts), Larceny of a Credit Card (5 counts), Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards, Fleeing and Eluding, Petit Theft and Reckless Driving. Kegley is currently under arrest at the hospital and will be booked into jail upon release. Kegley is also a suspect in several other burglaries within St. Johns County.   The investigation remains active at this time.

Surprise! SJSO deputies stopped by to wish Copeland a happy 7th birthday. We're so glad we could celebrate with you - and be part of the party.

Expect traffic delays in the area of US-1 North and Las Calinas Blvd due to a crash with injuries. All northbound lanes of travel are shut down. Please use alternate routes, updates to follow.

Good morning from #TeamSJSO at Osceola Elementary School. Wishing everyone a great Friday!

UPDATE: Steven has been located safely. 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍: SJSO is searching for missing endangered adult male, Steven Croce (33). He was last seen around 11:30am, prior to leaving his residence off Flikkema Avenue in Hastings. Steven is 5’11, 175lbs, and was last seen on foot, wearing a white t-shirt, orange shorts and sneakers (seen in photo). Steven is diagnosed with schizophrenia and has autism. If you have information on his whereabouts, please contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 904-824-8304.

St. Johns County deputies are working an active investigation involving a wanted subject in the area of Bannon Lakes Blvd and International Golf Parkway. The subject is in custody and there is no threat to the public. Please avoid the area until the scene is clear.

𝗦𝗝𝗦𝗢, 𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗗, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗝𝗖𝗙𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗝𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗦' 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥 The SJSO Honor Guard, along with members of St. Augustine Police Department and St. Johns County Fire Rescue proudly presented the National Anthem before the Jacksonville Jaguars home opener and 9/11 Remembrance 25th Anniversary game on September 13. They also led a color guard at halftime, where approximately 100 individuals became United States Citizens. Thank you to the Jacksonville Jaguars - it was an honor to be part of the day. #TeamSJSO

Congratulations to SJSO Public Safety Telecommunicator, Mia Harrell, on her recognition as Sunshine Dispatcher by Gold Line Support. We are especially proud of PST Harrell and the professionalism, dedication, and compassion she demonstrates while serving the citizens of St. Johns County. Public Safety Telecommunicators are the voices behind all calls made to the SJSO Communications Center. They carry tremendous responsibility - by gathering critical information and coordinating resources, showing compassion to people experiencing fear, grief, or crisis, remaining calm, and supporting deputies and first responders in the field. This recognition confirms to our communications personnel that their work is seen, valued, and essential to our mission. #TeamSJSO is grateful for programs like Sunshine Dispatcher that ensure these dedicated professionals receive the recognition they have earned.

𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝟏𝟔-𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑-𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐉𝐒𝐎 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 This morning, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office announced a positive outcome in a missing persons search that began over the weekend. Benjamin Adcock (16) was located safe following a nearly 48-hour search by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and partnering law enforcement agencies. During a joint news conference by SJSO and St. Johns County Fire Rescue around 9 a.m. this morning, Adcock was found safe nearby. A wave of relief swept through as Sheriff Hardwick shared the news and embraced Adcock's mother. "𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘺, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘮 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴, '𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥', 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘐𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵," 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. Adcock, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia and mild autism, was reported missing Saturday. In response, SJSO, partner law enforcement agencies, and first responders mobilized all resources including searching on foot, with K9 teams, drones, helicopters, and assistance from a volunteer civilian search group. He was ultimately located by a good Samaritan on Monday who recognized his photo from social media. Adcock is in good health and receiving medical care. "𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘯, 𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵. 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘧'𝘴 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 16-𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳-𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮, 𝘖𝘭𝘨𝘢," 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. This success reflects our community's teamwork and support. 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨! Thank you to our partners for their assistance: @SJCFireRescue, St. Augustine Police Department, @JSOPIO, @FlaglerSheriff, National Parks Service, and @MyFWC. SJSO is still seeking information about Adcock's whereabouts between the afternoon of Saturday, September 12, and Monday, September 14. Please contact SJSO with any information at 904-824-8304. If you have a loved one who is prone to wandering, please consider enrolling in our local programs that assist law enforcement in locating individuals that may prevent them from being able to seek help on their own: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿 is designed to locate individuals who wander. Participants wear a bracelet on their wrist or ankle equipped with a small transmitter that emits a frequency signal. If the individual goes missing, trained law enforcement personnel respond to the area and use the signal to locate them. Participants must have a full-time caregiver (spouse, parent, guardian). Upon registration, the caregiver will receive education and training necessary to understand the equipment. Register: sjso.org/project-lifesaver/ 𝗞𝟵 𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗦 preserve an individual's unique scent using a personal item. Scent kits are designed for K9s to be able to track missing subjects. These are available to qualifying individuals who have been diagnosed with a disability that would impair them from being able to seek help for themselves. Apply: sjso.org/k9-scent-kit/ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 enhances communication between first responders and residents with special needs. Upon registration, individuals or guardians will receive a sticker for their home and registered vehicles, which provides important information to law enforcement during contact. Enroll: sjso.org/safe-program/ Registration for each of these programs only takes a few minutes and can make the difference during an emergency.

Good news! Benjamin Adcock has been located safe. Thank you to everyone who assisted.

📆 Save the date! Money Smart Kids Day is coming to our CR 210 Branch: Saturday, Sept 26 from 9a -12p. Kids will learn the basics of saving and spending, plus enjoy: 🖌️Face Painting 🚒 Touch-a-truck 🍿 Snacks and refreshments 🚲 e-Bike safety presentations by @TeamSJSO

𝟏𝟐 𝐩.𝐦. 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Upon further investigative efforts, the information reporting a sighting of Adcock at Winn Dixie on Saturday is incorrect. Instead, SJSO has confirmed a sighting of Adcock crossing SR 207 southbound at noon Saturday. Search efforts are now focused near the Epic Theater plaza.

𝟏𝟎 𝐚.𝐦. 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Adcock is believed to be wearing the same gray shirt and black shorts as seen in the photos attached to this post. He may be wearing glasses, and was last seen at Winn Dixie on 207 / Ponce Saturday.