FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — A Clay County man was arrested Thursday evening after deputies said he fired multiple rounds in the backyard of his home, prompting the activation of the sheriff’s office SWAT and crisis negotiation teams.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 7 p.m. on June 18, 2026, to the 1600 block of Hampton Place following reports of gunfire.
When deputies arrived, they observed 45-year-old James Garner in the backyard of his residence allegedly firing multiple rounds into the ground.
Due to the circumstances, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office activated its Crisis Negotiations Team and SWAT Team to safely resolve the situation.
Crisis negotiators established contact with Garner by phone and successfully convinced him to exit the residence.
Authorities said Garner surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators determined Garner was the only person inside the residence at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.
Garner was arrested and booked into the Clay County Jail on multiple counts of reckless discharge of a firearm.
The incident remains under investigation.