A man was convicted of attempted murder of a Florida law enforcement officer, shooting the deputy with a shotgun after a traffic stop involving a stolen vehicle.
After a three-day trial this week, a St. Johns County jury found defendant Richard Bonsell guilty of Attempted Second-Degree Murder of Law Enforcement Officer (Firearm) and Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.
On the afternoon of April 22, 2020, a St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on patrol and spotted a stolen vehicle traveling southbound on State Road A1A near the intersection of Executive Way. The deputy followed the vehicle into a grocery store parking lot on Front Street.
Shortly after the deputy turned on his emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop, Bonsell, who was driving the stolen vehicle, pulled out a shotgun.
The defendant pointed the gun toward the deputy and fired two shots. In fear for his life and the safety of those in the parking lot, the deputy returned fire.
The defendant then fired one more time and shot himself in the chin.
Bonsell recovered from his injuries at the hospital and was arrested.
“This case is a grim reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said after the jury returned with the verdict. “We are profoundly grateful our deputy sheriff was not injured in the attempt to take his life. We will be seeking a mandatory life sentence based on the conviction. We are forever grateful for our courageous law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.”
The case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorneys Sarah Thomas and Val Avanesov successfully tried the case for the state. The Honorable Lee Smith presided over the case and will pronounce sentence at a later date.
