Corrections recruit arrested after week on job, Jacksonville police say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a corrections recruit on Monday.

Joshua Vergara, 19, was arrested Saturday after a police chase, JSO said.

Vergara was fired Monday after a week on the job. He was still under a probationary period and cannot appeal the termination, JSO said.

Police were pursuing Vergara, who was accused of reckless driving. However, due to traffic, the officers ended the chase and told JSO to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

Download the Action News Jax News app and First Alert Weather app

A JSO officer pursuing the vehicle was flagged down by another driver who said they were involved in a hit-and-run with a vehicle suspected to be driven by Vergara.

A short time later, police responded to a possible burglary near Baymeadows Road and Southside Boulevard. The citizens said they noticed a person hiding behind bushes.

The man told officers that he was sick and identified himself as JSO. Vergara attempted to flee, JSO said.

Vergara allegedly told JSO that he was jogging. Vegara gave a description of his car, which matched the suspected vehicle sent out to police earlier.

Vegara was arrested and charged with fleeing police, reckless driving and leaving scene of accident.

Reward offered for tips on third person involved in deadly Walmart shootout

Action News Jax is following the story. Watch Action News Jax and follow us on Twitter @ActionNewsJax for the latest. 

Cox Media Group