Suspect accused of stabbing two Jacksonville firefighters has criminal history dating back to 2003

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax is learning more about the criminal history of a man accused of attacking two Jacksonville firefighters.

Tony Harris, 38, is currently in the Duval County Jail, facing two charges of aggravated battery on a firefighter and resisting officer without violence, according to Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Inmate Search.

Harris is accused of stabbing the two firefighters -- Capt. Latorrence Norris and Engineer Vincent Harper -- inside of a rescue unit on Tuesday night.

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According to the JSO arrest report, JFRD firefighters described Tony Harris as calm when they put him in the back of the rescue unit. He complained about pain in his kidneys.

During the drive to the hospital, the report states, “The suspect heard someone else transmit, via radio, that a female was being transported to the hospital.” It continues to read, “The suspect then became irate and saying that he was not a female while attempting to stand up off the stretcher.”

JFRD said Harris took a box cutter from Norris, who was sitting inside the unit with Harris, and cut him in the upper chest and abdominal area. When Harper pulled over to help, they said Harris also cut him in the upper thigh.

“The two JFRD firefighters continued struggling with the patient until JSO arrived and took over the situation,” Fire Chief Keith Powers said.

Powers said Harper was released from the hospital Wednesday morning. Norris is now stable and being treated at UF Health.

Harris' criminal history dates back to 2003 and includes charges of theft, drug possession, child neglect and domestic battery.

Action News Jax obtained a picture of the rescue unit where two firefighters were attacked Tuesday night. It was sent to us by a source. We've blurred out the blood in the photo.

Harris made his first court appearance Wednesday at approximately 3 p.m. He faced a Duval County judge in a red jumpsuit, which indicates possible self-harm.

The judge set bond for each of three charges, with a total of $1,002,509.

Harris’ next court appearance is scheduled for October 30th.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry gave an update on the incident Wednesday afternoon. Watch the briefing below:

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Cox Media Group