St. Johns County deputies secure suspect tied to shooting outside Sawgrass Village Publix

Jacksonville, FL — UPDATE #2:

An active investigation scene remains at the Sawgrass Village parking lot in Ponte Vedra Beach after a shootout between one male suspect and a deputy in the parking lot.

Sheriff David Shoar says the incident started around 12:45 Wednesday when the sheriff’s office was looking for a black recently stolen Toyota Tundra out of Lewistown Pennsylvania. He says a deputy found the truck in the parking lot of the shopping center. He says the deputy performed a traffic stop and that when the suspect, who is not being named at this time, got out of the truck and shot multiple times at the deputy. Shoar says the deputy returned fired and was not injured physically during the incident.

“It was a very rapid type incident.” Shoar says.

After the shootout, Shoar says the suspect went back into the truck and locked himself in and the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team had to get him out. Shoar says the suspect has life-threatening injuries.

“We’re not sure if it was from us or if it was a self-inflicted wound.” Shoar says.

No one other than the suspect was injured and Shoar says they are currently looking into the suspects back story.

UPDATE: The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office says they have now secured a suspect tied to the shooting outside the Sawgrass Village Publix in Ponte Vedra. However, you are still being asked to avoid the area as an active investigation is underway.

Deputies say anyone that has sheltered in place during this event will be assisted by law enforcement in leaving safely.

ORIGINAL STORY: The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone in or near the Sawgrass Village Publix in Ponte Vedra to shelter in place.

Deputies say they're currently searching for at least one individual that opened fire on them during a traffic stop.

Deputies say the individual or individuals are believed to still be armed and dangerous.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY, CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES