Off-duty Jacksonville police officer who shot at a semi on I-95 will not face criminal charges
Action News Jax has learned the Jacksonville police officer who shot at a semi-truck driver on I-95 will not face criminal charges.
The attack took place around 16:00 March 10 on I-95 near Emerson Street.
Lieutenant Marc Crawford He was off duty in his patrol car.
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Lt. Crawford claimed he was trying to move in front of the truck when it struck his car, according to a report released Tuesday by the State’s Attorney’s Office.
He said he turned on his emergency lights and tried to stop, but the truck hit his car again, pushing him forward on the interstate.
Lieutenant Crawford thought the driver hit him on purpose. He claims he fired his gun because he feared for his life. The report states, “Fearing that he would fall into the path of the truck or be crushed between the truck and other vehicles, MC fired his firearm towards the driver.”
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The driver, James Debardeleben, was taken into custody. He told detectives he was unaware that Lt. Crawford had crashed his car. He said he didn’t know anything was wrong until he heard gunshots and felt a blow to his stomach, according to the report. Two bullets entered the cabin of the truck. One hit Debardeleben but did not penetrate his body.
A reenactment of the incident showed that Debardeleben likely did not see Lieutenant Crawford’s vehicle.
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The State Attorney’s Office said that statements were taken from six witnesses. The report states: “Given the unresolved factual issues, evidentiary gaps, and conflicting testimony, the State does not have a reasonable prospect of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that MC’s use of deadly force was not justified. Therefore, the State cannot bring criminal charges in this matter.”
Action News Jax made several attempts to contact the truck driver. We couldn’t reach him.
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