Jacksonville, Fl — A driver has died in a morning crash at the Birmingham Gate at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Florida Highway Patrol says the incident Thursday morning started as a hit and run which happened north of the base at Timuquana Road and Roosevelt Boulevard. FHP says the man driving a dark blue Nissan Altima crashed into another car at that intersection and fled to the south. Investigators say the man turned into the Birmingham Gate, sideswiping an SUV when he tried to get on base.
A spokesperson for NAS Jax says gate sentries deployed the protective barrier which stopped the vehicle from entering the station around 6:30 am.
The driver, who had no known military affiliation, died. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact NCIS at (808) 478-8353.
At this point, FHP spokesman Sgt. Dylan Bryan says it’s believed the man was just trying to avoid the initial crash.
“We do not suspect shots were fired or lethal force was initiated but that is being confirmed as we speak.” Sgt. Bryan says.
As of late Thursday evening, NAS Jax says the outbound lanes at the gate are now open, but the inbound lanes are not. All drivers should access the station through the Yorktown and Allegheny Gates.
#HAPPENINGNOW: Long line of cars outside @NASJax_ 's Birmingham Gate. A driver crash & died here after trying to enter the station at around 6:30 a.m. A base spokesperson says protective barriers stopped the driver. The gate will remain CLOSED until further notice. @ActionNewsJax https://t.co/w527U6Ns3i pic.twitter.com/CQ5lLqfMVK
— Jessica Barreto (@BarretoReports) September 15, 2022
#BREAKING: @NASJax_ says a driver, with no known military affiliation, was killed after attempting to run the Birmingham Gate.
— Jeana Gondek (@WOKV_Jeana) September 15, 2022
Updates on @WOKVNews & @ActionNewsJax https://t.co/VAgNOrkiIn
At 6:30 am, a driver attempted to run the Birmingham Gate at NAS Jax, sentries deployed the protective barrier which stopped the vehicle. The driver is deceased and has no known military affiliation. Investigators are on the scene. Witnesses need to call NCIS at (808) 478-8353.
— NAS Jacksonville (@NASJax_) September 15, 2022
Birmingham Gate will remain closed until further notice. All drivers should access the station through the Yorktown and Allegheny Gates. Birmingham Avenue to Biscayne Street and Saratoga Avenue South to Wild Avenue are currently closed. Thank you for your patience
— NAS Jacksonville (@NASJax_) September 15, 2022
US 17 is experiencing significant traffic delays. Please use alternate route.
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) September 15, 2022
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