Jacksonville man arrested following high-speed chase in GCS

 GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A Jacksonville man was arrested after it was determined he was more than twice over the legal limit for alcohol following a 3.34-mile, high-speed chase through the downtown streets on Saturday, March 7.

Jeffrey Diaz Morales, 35, was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of more than .15 with a passenger younger than 18 and fleeing law enforcement at a high rate of speed with disregard for the safety of others or property after a Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy clocked him at 85 mph in a 55 mph zone on U.S. Highway 17.

When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Morales sped away, according to the arrest report, maintaining speeds of about 70 mph as he entered the Green Cove Springs city limits. Several cars had to swerve to avoid collisions, according to CCSO.

Morales turned onto Houston Street and stopped at Palmetto Avenue, where CCSO and a Green Cove Springs Police Department officer arrested him.

Morales failed a field sobriety test. His BAL levels were .165 and .159. The maximum legal limit in Florida is .08.

His bond was set at $41,005.

Woman charged with beating man with deadly weapon

 MIDDLEBURG – A woman was charged with beating a man so severely with a weapon he was transported to HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Haley Danielle Manning, 26, Maxville, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after deputies were called about a dispute on March 5. They said, “the victim showed signs of medical distress.” An investigation, along with statements from the victim and two witnesses, led to Manning’s arrest on March 9.

Her bond was set at $80,003.

Ridgeview High student arrested with loaded handgun in parking lot

 ORANGE PARK – A Clay County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer and the Ridgeview High Administration received a tip early Thursday, March 5, that a senior had a loaded handgun in his car, and that led to an arrest in the parking lot.

A search of the car uncovered a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, which was seized by the SRO.

Gavin Alexander Robinson, 18, of Middleburg, was charged with possessing a firearm on school property.

His bond was set at $10,503.