Argument over dogs leads to neighbor’s house getting shot

MIDDLEBURG – An argument about dogs led to a woman shooting at her neighbor’s house, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Sherry Lynn Garrison, 54, of Middleburg, was charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling where there was an adult and six children were present, battery and resisting law enforcement with violence after CCSO responded to the 5600 block of Bee Hive Road on Friday, Aug. 22, to a caller who said a neighbor was shooting at them.

When they arrived, CCSO was told the argument became violent when Garrison pushed one of the victims. According to the arrest report, Garrison went back to her yard, and the victim told Garrison not to return. He used a firearm and fired it into the ground as a warning. Garrison then returned with her handgun and shot at their house.

Nobody was injured, according to CCSO.

When deputies tried to detain Garrison, she fought with them, CCSO said.

Garrison is being held at the Clay County Jail without bond.

The sheriff’s office asks if anyone has additional information about the incident, please call CCSO at (904) 264-6512 or submit information via the Safer Watch App at getsaferwatch.com.

CCSO: 77-year-old man arrested for sexually abusing boy

MIDDLEBURG – A 77-year-old man with a history of sexual misconduct on a minor was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 21, for sexual battery on a boy, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Gerald Francis Smith, of Middleburg, was booked into the Clay County Jail without bond after being charged with sexual assault on a minor after CCSO received a complaint that, after two boys spent the night with the man, one claimed he was assaulted.

According to the sheriff’s office, Smith was also arrested in 1994 for a lewd act against a 13-year-old.

Smith’s next court date will be Sept. 15.

CCSO said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Mosley at nmosley@claysheriff.com or call the non-emergency number, (904) 264-6512.

Inmate charged in connection with fentanyl death of fellow inmate

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – An inmate in the Clay County jail was charged with possessing fentanyl and criminal conspiracy in connection with the overdose death of another inmate on July 30.

Brian Keith Anderson, who was serving a year for battery of a pregnant woman, is accused of providing fentanyl to 20-year-old Jarel Walker-Webb while both were incarcerated.

According to the arrest report, agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement searched the bunks and property of Walker-Webb and Anderson. FDLE found a straw with fentanyl residue. They also noticed a cake of deodorant that appeared “was removed multiple times, in attempts to possibly conceal something underneath the deodorant,” belonging to Anderson.

A further investigation revealed Anderson used his jail electronic tablet, which was password-protected, to communicate with his girlfriend, to transfer funds into his account to purchase narcotics, according to the arrest report.

Anderson’s bond was set at $750,006. His next appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16.

Road rage shooting leads to arrest on County Road 220

MIDDLEBURG – Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 57-year-old man after they said he fired six to eight shots at another car in a case of road rage Thursday, Aug. 21, at the corner of County Road 220 and College Drive.

David Lee Garcia, of Fleming Island, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and shooting a firearm into an occupied vehicle after CCSO determined he followed a car into the parking lot of the Walmart Neighborhood Market at approximately 7 p.m. The sheriff’s office said he drove around the victim’s car, stopped yards from them and got into a brief argument with the driver before firing multiple rounds from a handgun.

The victim’s car was struck three or four times on the passenger side. The driver of the victim’s car was hit in the forearm with shrapnel, and Clay County Fire Rescue treated him for the superficial injury.

Two uninvolved cars that were parked nearby were struck by gunfire from Garcia, including one occupied by an adult and a child. Neither was injured. The driver of the victim’s car was hit with shrapnel, and Clay County Fire Rescue treated him for the superficial injury.

“Acts of violence, particularly those occurring on or near the roadways, will not be tolerated in Clay County,” CCSO posted. “Driving is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of remaining calm, composed and respectful of others to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely. If you witness reckless or aggressive driving, please call the CCSO at (904) 264-6512 or submit information through the Safer Watch App at getsaferwatch.com.

Garcia’s bond was set at $150,006. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 29.

A 68-year-old motorcyclist died on Friday, Aug. 22, when a driver of an SUV crossed the center line and hit him head-on on County Road 352 in Keystone Heights.

Motorcyclist killed in head-on crash Friday night in Keystone Heights

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – According to the Florida Highway Patrol, an 18-year-old driver crossed the center line and hit and killed a 68-year-old motorcyclist on Friday, Aug. 22.

The accident happened on County Road 352 near Monongahela Avenue at 7:16 p.m. The rider of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene.

The highway patrol does not release the names of anyone involved in accidents.