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Former firefighter charged with approaching jail with bulletproof vest

Posted 12/31/69

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Zack Thomas Coon Jr., 36, of Green Cove Springs, was apprehended following a series of concerning incidents on Nov. 2 that …

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Former firefighter charged with approaching jail with bulletproof vest


Posted
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Zack Thomas Coon Jr., 36, of Green Cove Springs, was apprehended following a series of concerning incidents on Nov. 2 that transpired at Fire Station 24 and the Clay County Jail.

At approximately 5:09 a.m., Coon, a former Clay County firefighter, arrived at the public entrance of the Clay County Jail. Coon, who was shirtless but wearing blue jeans and a “tactical” bulletproof vest, banged on the locked glass door of the jail lobby.

Coon then left the jail parking lot in a white GMC truck headed south on U.S. Highway 17 in a reckless manner. A BOLO was issued, and deputies and detectives responded due to Coon’s erratic behavior. A short time later, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the Clay County Fire Rescue Station 24 on Sweat Road advising that Coon was in their parking lot. The caller was concerned for the safety of all CCFR personnel on the scene based on previous encounters involving Coon.

The caller advised Coon had just fled the parking lot in his truck. Deputies quickly responded and encountered Coon’s vehicle a short distance away from the fire station. Coon was traveling at approximately 100 mph along U.S. 17 and attempted to ram a deputy’s vehicle, causing the deputy to run off the road. Coon then arrived back at the fire station, still driving recklessly, where he was immediately met by deputies and was tased. According to the arrest report, he kicked and headbutted the rear driver’s side cage once he was detained and placed inside a deputy’s car.

Following his arrest, CCSO discovered several weapons, including a bow and arrows, knives, and ammunition, inside the vehicle.

Coon’s bond was set at $140,010. His next court appearance will be on Nov. 28.