A man wanted for a probation violation was injured during a confrontation with the Clay County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) that culminated in a deputy-involved shooting. The incident, which took place in Keystone Heights yesterday afternoon, was the result of an escalating series of events that began earlier in the week.
The ordeal began when deputies tried to serve a warrant to Dajshon Asbell for violating probation. According to First Coast News, Sheriff Michelle Cook reported that Asbell "resisted arrest, fought deputies and allegedly attempted to stab one with a syringe before fleeing into the woods." Returning on Friday to the same location, deputies encountered Asbell barricaded in a structure with his girlfriend, who he initially would not allow to leave.
The standoff lasted several hours, with authorities attempting to negotiate with Asbell. After those efforts failed, Cook explained as News4Jax reported, “Deputies deployed gas into the building in an attempt to flush him out” but were unsuccessful. The CCSO SWAT team eventually had to remove the building's door.
Emerging from the utility building with a sharp object, Asbell purportedly attempted to attack the deputies and made stabbing motions towards a CCSO K-9 unit, subsequently throwing the animal against a nearby trailer. At least three deputies fired non-lethal rounds at Asbell who, despite being shot and injured, continued to resist. He was eventually subdued and provided medical assistance before being transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville for surgery, as reported by First Coast News.
While the suspect's current condition is unknown, the CCSO K-9, checked for injuries at the scene, fortunately did not appear to be harmed, according to First Coast News. No deputies were reported injured in the incident. Further investigations are underway by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as the scene at the 5700 block of Indian Trail was still active with CCSO members around 9:30 P.M., documented by Action News Jax.
Authorities are also evaluating the involvement of Asbell's girlfriend in the incident, though Sheriff Cook has suggested she may not have participated willingly, as stated in reports by First Coast News.
