Man wanted for attempted murder in St. Johns County arrested in South Dakota

ST.JOHNS, Fla. — July 26 Update: Devontae Durden, the man identified by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office as a suspect in a shooting that left a person hurt earlier this month, has been arrested in South Dakota.

Durden is accused of shooting someone in the abdomen in the area of West 13th Street and St. Johns Street on July 6.

Prior to being taken to the hospital, the victim named Durden as the suspect responsible for the shooting, according to SJSO.

Following the victim’s statement and evidence gathered at the scene, SJSO said Durden was named the suspect and an arrest warrant was issued by the State Attorney’s Office.

Deputies say on Thursday, July 22, Durden was taken into custody with the help of the Sioux Falls Police Department and the U.S. Marshalls. Authorities say he is awaiting extradition back to Florida where he will face three felony convictions.

“I would like to give special recognition to the talented intelligence analysts who serve our community at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Their diligence in this investigation led to key information confirming Mr. Durden’s location to be in South Dakota,” Sheriff Hardwick said. “This case demonstrates that if you commit a violent crime in St. Johns County, we will find you no matter how far you try to run and ensure justice is served.”

Original Story from July 6:

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that happened this afternoon in the area of West 13th Street and St. Johns Street.

A victim was shot and is suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers were able to identify Devontae Lee Durden (Black/Male 26) as a person of interest.

At this time, there is no deemed threat to the community.

If you have any information on the location of Mr. Durden, please contact Detective Sam Hall at 904-687-6042, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304, or Crime Stoppers at 1-877-277-8477.

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