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TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Strange incident on SR59 still under investigation
A strange incident last week led to a pursuit, multiple shots fired at a delivery van, closed down a highway, and a Clay County man arrested.
On Monday (12-12-2022), a FedEx driver delivered a package at a rural Clay City residence around 10 p.m. The homeowner thought his home was being burglarized and approached the delivery man with a weapon. Frightening the FedEx driver, the homeowner fired a shotgun at the delivery van as the driver left, which led to a vehicle pursuit.
Officials say two vehicles headed north on State Road 59, with shots allegedly fired during the pursuit.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Department responded to the strange incident that caused a portion of the highway (around CR 350 to 400) to be closed while officers investigated the incident.
“The homeowner thought thefts were going on,” Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden said, adding the driver was confirmed to be an independent contractor for FedEx. “We spoke to FedEx and saw paperwork showing he was making deliveries at that time.”
The incident is still under investigation, but the sheriff confirmed the homeowner was arrested and later bonded out. Charging information was provided to the prosecutor’s office.
“It seems more and more people like to shop online and have their packages delivered to their homes. During the holidays, it’s common for companies to hire independent contractors to keep up with the high demand and make deliveries.”
Harden said people who have made online purchases and expect deliveries need to be aware they could be later than normal.
If someone thinks they see suspicious activity or vehicles, Harden says people should not take the law into their own hands.
“We suggest you contact law enforcement,” he said. “If suspicious vehicles are in the area, get pictures or license plate information. Leave it to law enforcement, and we will run down all the information we can.”
Officials say the situation could have been much worse; innocent people could have been injured during the pursuit between the van driver and homeowner or while the shots were fired, at least three, at the van while traveling along the highway.
Harden agrees that people have a right to protect their family and homes, “But not like this. Leave it to law enforcement.”