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Molino Man Dies In Wreck; His Father Arrested For Attacking Troopers (With Photo Gallery)
November 3, 2013
One person died from injuries received in a single vehicle wreck late Saturday night in Molino, and the father of the victim was jailed after allegedly attacking first responders and troopers at the accident scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 34-year old Joiel Wilson Edmonson of Molino lost control of his pickup truck just after 11 p.m. on Molino Road near Veazey Lane and left the roadway. The front of the 1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup struck a cable box before entering a wooded area and striking a tree.
Joiel Edmonson was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital where he passed away a short time later as a result of injuries received in the crash.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Edmonson’s father, identified as 56-year old John David Edmonson of Molino, arrived on scene and attempted to interfere with first responders as they worked to free the victim of the wreckage.
John Edmonson allegedly attacked and interfered with firefighters on the scene. Over a dozen law enforcement officers responded to the incident, including two Florida Highway Patrol troopers that were among the first on the scene. They reportedly became involved in an altercation with John Edmonson. Witnesses said the troopers were forced to tase John Edmonson in order to end the fight.
The troopers were not seriously injured.
John Edmonson was booked into the Escambia County Jail where he was released just after 8 a.m. Sunday on a $15,500 bond. He was charged with failure to obey police or fire department, battery on an officer, firefighter or EMT, aggravated assault on officer, firefighter or EMT and resisting an officer with violence.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top and below: A Molino man was transported to an area hospital where he later died following this Molino Road crash. Pictured inset: The victim’s father was arrested for allegedly interfering the first responders and attacking a FHP trooper. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
134 Responses to “Molino Man Dies In Wreck; His Father Arrested For Attacking Troopers (With Photo Gallery)”
I am truly heart-broken. I was with jj for a couple of years down the road and got the chance to meet his dad and some family members. I moved away but recently came back and finally got around to looking him up…and to fund out that he is gone…truly a heart wrenching moment for me. I will truly miss you JJ. Love ya.
love you bubba. gonna miss you like crazy. love you uncle john and rori and the kids too. rip jj
R.I.P JJ you will be missed prayers going out to the family and friends especially his daughters! we love you cuz.
It is a very sad tragedy, and worse for a parent to have to see it. Any loving parent would be upset. To all you defending him though, do you really think those who came to help in an emergency were supposed to sit in their cars and wait for him to finish grieving? As the report says, he passed away at the hospital, so had he not fought, I’m sure the police would have been happy to give him a ride to the hospital, but their goal was still to try to save his life until it was gone. I’m sorrowful for the family and also for the emergency crew who were on site to witness this tragedy.
REGARDING:
“Looking forward to “eventually””
K, keep praying the Lord will silence me as He eventually will. I didn’t expect to live this long anyway.
In the mean time, I will try to give good advice which all are free to ignore. If I am wrong, correct me so others won‘t suffer from my bad advice. The worst advice is good advice not given.
AND
“You can’t live in a world of what ifs David Huie Green.”
And yet I do, somehow, despite your hopes and prayers. I am sorry if this hurts anyone’s feelings. Lives are more important than feelings. Or at least that is my opinion even if your opinion is that I should keep my opinion to myself.
What if I have a wreck? I should wear my seat belt.
What if I lose control? Maybe I should slow down.
What if a deer is around the corner? I should be prepared to hit it rather than run off the road.
What if a tire blows out? I should keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and keep looking ahead.
I consider the “what ifs” and try to act in a manner which won’t hurt others or myself.
If a person has been hurt, I don’t decide it is hopeless and just let him die. If there’s a chance I can save him, it’s worth trying. Afterward I won’t have to wonder “What if I had just gotten him out and to a doctor.”
I very much regret your loss and pray you are comforted.
The best comfort would have been if he had not died.
David for those who try
My heart goes out to JJ’s family. My heart breaks thinking of his girls and the rest of his family. I knew him and we had alot of good times back in the day . He was a great guy and will be deeply missed by everyone. RIP JJ
I feel so sorry for this man. He was probably overcome with grief.
My daughter was in a wreck and I almost lost my mind before I got there.
FF,
I agree, that family members (or any unnecessary person) should be kept clear. I think what most, if not all, commentators believe is that the arrest and charges against Mr. Edmonson were excessive. I don’t have to be a witness to know that once he was restrained, he should have been just put in the back of the police car and held until his son was extricated, then allowed to see him in a safe area and once he calmed down. It’s the formal arrest and charges that we don’t agree with. Now, if he had maliciously attacked and deliberately harmed someone, that’s another story, but no one has stated that he did that. maybe that will come out, but I seriously doubt it happened that way.
I have lost a child due to a car accident as well, so this hits way too close to home for me. I say let the father out of jail with time served so that he can grieve the loss of his son with his family.
I pray that this family can find strength to bear this horrible tragedy.
I read the article, and I read most of the comments. My prayers go out to the Edmondson Family. I hope the LEOs that made that arrest feel wonderful about it. There seems to be way too much Barney Fife and not nearly enough Andy in the ranks of our Highway Patrol and Sheriff’s dept. Yes, you were right to stop this man interfering, but to take him to jail is just over the top. You should have taken him to his home and left him with his family.
As a Mother and Grandmother my heart is so breaking and my spirit so grieved over this tragedy over JJ!… I am so sad!…And to the state troopers that tased Mr. Edmonson and arrested him, you really “had” to arrest him to where there is now a $15,500.00 bond on him on top of losing his son? Come on!….It sickens me!…. Get some compassion in your heart!.. In times like that… Love overrides Law!! … Praying for all family and friends!!..so sorry!
There are many reasons why we do not allow civilians to encroach on our extrication/ life saving ops. First, civilians don’t have protective clothing on…we don’t wear that stuff just to sweat the pounds off. We wear it to protect us against cuts from jagged metal, gasoline spills and even short term exposure to direct flames. Second, victims are our utmost concern, primarily saving their life so they can live to see another day. As far as the comments of a parent muscling in, well, in 27 years I’ve seen this same scenario played over and over. Here’s the deal, if we deem the scene safe for you to be with a loved one then generally we will let you in. If not, then we wont let you in,period. And my guys are big, real big and they can keep you safe by keeping you out. My prayers to the family in their time of sorrow.
This is a tragedy. I went to school crying what do I do with out him in this world? WHAT DO PEPOL THAINK ABOUT THIS? JJ was my buddy I was really close to him I always pray! I wish he could come back. God bless you! Keep this family in your prayers! LOVE YALL SOOOOOO MUCH! RIP!!JJ!!
come on people wake up. Big John was try to help his son. Don’t jude if you wasn’t there, if you was help him out by speaking up with the truth. Let justice be done, Help him out.
even tho i don´t know u but i do know your childern i hope your family does good we will all miss you
I just can’t bring myself to believe your gone. We had so many good times. I can’t believe I will never see you or hear your laughter again. You will be deeply missed dear friend and you take a piece of our hearts with you. Fly high JJ
Re: David Huie Green
I agree your comments are never cute-although you try to be witty with your wordy post. We all know you are smart-so you can stop with all the clever banter, your not impressing anyone here. Any other time you are quick to point out the facts, not the “what ifs”; unless of course that is what you choose to fixate on.
Well what if: this young man heard his father’s voice and it gave him the strength to hold on just a lil longer? Or what if this young man got to hear his father say I love you son? What if this young man; my family got to die with his daddy holding his hand? You can’t live in a world of what ifs David Huie Green.
What IF. . . you could keep your opinions to your self, wouldn’t that be a blessing?
Looking forward to “eventually” David Huie Green
Rip JJ
If you know the man and his son you would understand how the father was very upset that he saw his son hurt and need his dad.
JJ you will be missed! You could of gave the father some time with his son I mean for peeks sake he was passing away!
There was a tragic accident here in Jay in August of Cheyenne Glenn on a ATV that took her life. Her family did NOT get to see her, nor did the Troopers allow her to go down to the scene. The Troopers did NOT want her family’s LAST memory to be that devastating. My point being here is…if you take a closer look at the pictures posted I wouldn’t have wanted this scene to be my LAST memory of my son. Yes, it is extremely hard to comprehend at the moment, but I pray in the days to come John will understand why the Troopers did what they did. Again, I can only pray that the judge finds empathy for him due to the situation.
Edmonson,
You seem to think the intent was more important than the result. I’m not being cute when I point out a possible result. It would haunt me for the rest of my life. I have seen cases which looked hopeless but in which doctors saved them because they got to them in time.
And will I stop giving my thoughts? Eventually.
David for fewer reasons for regrets
Justice for John and the whole Edmonson family!
Here is a thought, what if the father’s interference cost his son’s life? I’m not saying it did, but precious time was lost dealing with this distraught parent. Yes, the father was upset (out of his mind even,) but the officers on the sence had to do something! Now it is in the hands of the courts!
John and Diane-I can only offer my love and sympathy to the both of you along with your other children as well as the entire Edmonson family along with all the family members and friends who are also involved. It is a very heartbreaking situation and my heart goes out to all of you. JJ was a sweetheart of a man with an outgoing personality in life that always made people around him smile. You raised a very loving son (look at the number of comments posted). John, don’t ever feel or think for one minute you were out of line!!! We all can say how we would have reacted, but until you are in that position, no one knows and that is a FACT!!! JJ will be missed by A LOT of family and friends including myself and I wish your ENTIRE family the best from my heart. I know God will wraps his arms around all of you and can ease some of the pain. I LOVE YA’LL!!!!
As I think of how sad this is for all involved family,friends and community I can only hope that as we Miss and Never Forget that we also hear the message. If you can hear the message it may be time for change. Change can not happen unless we are willing to listen!!
To “LEGAL AID”
And your point IS?
Re: David Huie Green
Can we EVER have a controversial post that you do not have to chime in with your cutesy verbiage??
As an Edmonson~I don’t find it cute! Your little story did not happen that night, so don’t paint that picture here. I can tell you what happened and I was not there: a father, mother, wife, and children and a huge extended family and many friends lost someone they loved.
Yet you choose to be cute instead of “compassionate”. . . . . predictable.
From what I understand to have happened that horrific night was not compassionate or necessary. JJ was loved and will be missed as those of us who knew him, mourn him.
“CONSIDERING:
“a “parent” who’s only crime is LOVING HIS CHILD!!”
Actually, loving your child is not a crime, nor was anyone arrested for loving his child. Hours later and from miles away, we can judge the people involved being heartless monsters. Or we can imagine the following conversation in a similar situation:
“What happened to you?”
“I was trying to save a man trapped in a vehicle when his father knocked me into my power equipment and it cut me.”
“Were you able to save him?”
“No, they had to stop everything to keep me from bleeding to death and find my fingers. By the time they did, it was too late.”
“Could you have saved him if the father hadn‘t interfered?”
“We’ll never know. What’s more, others died in other wrecks where I might have saved them while I was laid up from the attack. They say I’ll be able to work again someday.”
David for true love
and compassion”
You will always be loved and missed my brother. And know that your girls will always have thier Uncle Ronnie,and I will never let them forget about thier daddy.
Just look at all these people that say they heard or saw what happened. If they heard what happened, they were too close (think about loud fire engine) and they were in the area they were ordered to leave.
So all the state attorney has to do is get your home IP address from northescambia and charge you with not following a lawful order from fire/ems/police. Too easy, too funny when your post lands you in jail for admitting to a crime.
In a dynamic situation as this a person is obviously overcome with emotion for a loved one. Doing things and acting out in a manner normally we think is wrong.
With an emotional scene as this one can only try and imagine what the father thought.
Much less how the mother felt.
Lots of pain and emotion to go around for all.
Stop judging human emotion, when none of us can fully understand it.
I am not talking about defining emotion from a text book either
Prayers to all.
I am at a loss for words on the way people will judge and assume when they weren’t there. I am all about letting first responders do their job…..I was there shortly after the first firetruck arrived…..I was there when Big John arrived……I was. There when the troopers arrived….I saw first hand the events that took place….it will all come out .
So until then stop judging !!! Stop assuming that just because someone is a first responder or LEO that what they say is the truth!!
Let this family mourn the loss of a father, husband and son in PEACE.!!!!
I am sorry this happened. I didn’t know JJ that well but I have lots of love for that family. I pray for you guys and im just a call away RIP JJ… and big john im so sorry for your loss. Words cant express my sadness
First of all,
Everyone please understand-the EMT’s and firefighters- had NOTHING to do with this man being tased OR arrested. They were there doing their thankless jobs as always. They all feel terrible about the whole situation. It was not their choice to have this distraught man tased or arrested. You must remember, most of them are also fathers and they understood what he was going through. But the fact remains they were trying to get the victim out of that vehicle in an effort to save his life! They didn’t have time to concentrate on the father and fight him off. Surely you all understand that. I can only imagine the pain this man was in and my heart goes out to him and his entire family, but please don’t turn this in to blaming the first responders who were trying to save his son. I do hope that when Mr Edmonson goes to court – they will understand how distraught he was and drop the charges since he didn’t really hurt anyone but was only acting out of desperation and love for his son. Its just a sad situation all the way around. Prayers to the Edmonson family.
There were crowds of onlookers there yesterday afternoon.
I am glad that the speed limit is 35MPH through there as someone could have been run over with so many people in and near the roadway.
If you are upset to the point where you are INTERFERING with potentially life saving operations then you are in the wrong. There’s no gray area here folks.
Imagine YOU are pinned in the car and fire rescue is trying to free you and your parents have snapped and started to INTERFERE with people trying to save you, don’t you think you’d be a little mad? Just a little.
Imagine seeing your dad or mom interfering with firefighters and slowing them down or stopping them because they wanted to see you. I’d be irate.
What if this guys actions interfered to the point where he may be charged as a contributor to his death??
You all watch wwaaayyyyyy to much TV. Get off the couch and out from in front if your TVs and get a clue before commenting and making yourself look like a fool!
Why would they arrest his dad, and not let him see his son. They could have put him in the back of the cruiser until they got done. But instead they took him to jail and he didnt even get to see his son one last time. To me, Big John had a right for trying to get to his son, any father would. It’s all a sad story. R.I.P JJ you’re in a better place now, Fly High!!
…sorry to hear about the lose…but why do these folks seem like they are above the law? disobeying a lawful order? assaulting a first responder who is trying to their job? i understand that it was their kin/child that was affected but at what point do the people that are trying to help affected by those who are hindering them from their job?
Justice for John…. R.I.P Uncle JJ!!
Wow there r people really out there like u that would deny someone from being by there child in there time of need.. It is one thing to be in the way it is another to be there to comfort them
JOHN..my god my friend,… im hurting for u my friend u and diane, if there is anything in this world that me and tootie can do for you guys to help you in any way lord please let us know… and to the whole Edmondson family, may God place his hand upon each and everyone of you and help you through this…… deeply concerned friend
Here are a few things to consider:
First of all this is tragic, the death of any loved on is, especially a child.
Let’s consider this; If this young man’s reckless driving would’ve killed someone you love, we would all be singing a different tune. Not only did this man cause harm to the people on scene that were trying to SAVE HIS SON’S LIFE, but he also interfered with his son receiving treatment from someone trained for these situations. So, think about this… there is the possibility that with the proper treatment on scene that his son would still be here today. Those of you siding with his actions would be the first to blame it on someone else if your loved one didn’t receive the proper care.
It boils down to this…we need to all quite being so judgemental, hypocritical, and stop hating others so much. Life is hard and complicated. Why don’t we learn to
appreciate what is in front of us, and quit making whatever may come so difficult for those trying to do the right thing. Those who work in 911 didn’t choose their career for the money. They did it because they want to help others and make a positive difference.
I can ‘ t believe they taised a parent in shock mode. Where was the taiser when the innocent resident was shot 15 times ?
Obviously this father was not in his right mind… A father arriving on scene and seeing the images pictured above, knowing your dieing son is only steps away and not being able to get to him. If there ever was a case of temporary insanity this would be it.
JUSTICE FOR JOHN
First and foremost my deepest sympathy goes out to the family of the young man that lost his life. On another note, I hate to see that his father was arrested, but we all know that we CAN’T put our hands on any type of first responder, LEO’s, and/or State Trooper. I understand his actions by all means, but has anyone bothered to ask yourself if his death could’ve have been prevented if they could’ve gotten his son out of the truck sooner? All the time they had to spend in attempting to obtain control of his father could’ve have been spent on his son. It is heart breaking to come onto any scene and see your loved one in that condition. My son is a VFM and my husband a LEO…I can assure you that their BEST intentions are at heart for your loved one; that is why they chose the profession they have. In all do respect, I can only pray that the judge finds empathy for Mr. Edmondson during this tragic time.
For those who keep saying “if you were not there don’t pass judgement” I have to ask–were you there? Try this for an idea, ask yourself when was the last time you said I love you and hugged your son and/or daughter. As to “just let him go at the scene”– after having to use force the officers would have left them selves open to a big time law suit, you can’t use force and then say Kings X and have it all go away.
People, the first responders are trained to get medical help to car accident victims as quickly as possible. The father “attacked” the first responders, if this article is accurate. The police have every right to restrain the father so that the victim could receive the quickest and safest medical attention possible. Yes, that father was probably not acting in a normal rational manner, and maybe the judge will dismiss this case entirely; but, as for me, I advocate protecting OUR first responders so that others may be saved.
BTW, people in North Escambia, slow down and quit driving recklessly. Every day there are pics in the news of terrible accidents, and I don’t see anybody on here saying there is a problem. The reckless and excessive speed (along with some drinking and driving) is killing the people you love, and you should address it so that there’s less death and sorrow. Pretending there isn’t a problem just means you’ll be seeing more stories like this one. Sad.
RIP J.J. I’ve known this family most of my life. My heart is broken for Big John and Diane. I never had the chance to meet J.J’s wife or children, but my heart hurts for them as well. Jerry Wayne and John John, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that Big John has these ridiculous charges dropped, and he can come home and grieve like a father should be able to. Any one of us would have done the same thing that he did. Momma’s and Daddy’s think they can fix anything on their babies. I agree that a little compassion would have went a long way last night.
Well, any good attorney will ask for a JURY trial. The jury will be made up of people who want the charges dropped. After the trial the JURY can return a NOT GUILTY VERDICT. That will send message to the State Attorney if he even pursues the charges.
The love from a family member runs deep. I am a nurse an I am trained to save lives. But given the same situation an a family member of been in a crash. All rules are off an I’d move the heavens to of gotten one more hug. Or just close enough to say I love u one last time. Every1 can say what they would do but being put in the shoes is a different story. First responders have a job but they also have family too. I think this all could/should have been done differently. Rip JJ.
im With Seth,100%
RIP JJ!!!!!!!!! We’ll miss u!!!
Rip bubba
JJ, so many memories my friend. Prayers for your family you will be sorely missed…forever young.
R.I.P JJ you will be missed dearly. But always remembered.
I don’t personally know any of these people involved in this tragedy, but my heart is hurting so badly for the father. I lost my son in the same type of accident and was not there to hold him or say goodbye. I was at the scene shortly after the wreck but grief and sorrow had me bowed so low I collapsed on the ground. This grief is so overwhelming and all consuming that it cannot be described by words, only felt by the heart. It rips the heart and soul out of a person. The autopsy said that he (my son) lived a few minutes and I could have told him how much I loved him and how proud his dad and I were of him. I didn’t get that chance and I can see how Mr. Edmonson was trying to move heaven and earth to get to his son. I am praying for healing and comfort for this family who is hurting so badly. I understand first responders need for speed and urgency in these cases, but I do think that they all need a long class of compassion training before they suit up to respond to an accident.
I don’t know anyone in this situation, But I can’t believe that they would take a man to jail in this situation,. SAD. put the
man in handcuffs put him it in the back of a police car talk to him get him to calm down and give the man one last chance to tell his son he loves him. I have children and I couldn’t imagine seeing that truck and knowing that my child was inside. anyone who thinks you would be calm and not trying to get to your child is out of your mind . I think what you was seeing from the man is normal for any parent who loves their children! officers should know and understand this,and for the ones who just don’t care just wait untill it’s your child. some times officers should swallow their pride and do what you can to help,not a good time to make an example out of someone. ONE LAST GOOD BYE COULD MEAN ALOT TO SOMEONE ! how can someone in handcuffs in the back of the police car be a problem shouldn’t it have stopped there.
remember officers are their to help…
Got great memories of me’ Joel and His Father big John. U will be missed my Frond my God give the Family Peace my prayer’s go out to you all..
I can’t believe that this man was arrested. He was only trying to get to his son. WHAT IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER YOU WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING, FOR PETE SAKES HE LOST HIS SON. DROP THE CHARGES HE DOESN’T NEED TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THAT TOO, HE REACTEDTO ANY PARENT WOULD HAVE REACTED,
RE: David Huie Green
I have a son, I love him, if he was in that situation as the young man last night, I would have tried to make my way to him just as that father did last night.
My intentions would have been to tell him “I LOVE YOU” and maybe even pray with and for him. Maybe my intentions are and were different than what you would do, but it’s hard to believe that ANY parent would stand calm and collective while in this situation. Your words make plenty of sense, BUT, can you really sit there and say you would not want to run up to your dying child in his last minutes? Really?
Your questions about a first responder being knocked into equipment…I know nothing about, but I stand behind my “JUSTICE FOR JOHN”
God bless yall I’m really sorry for what happend to yall. keep this family in your prayer’s.
“Tina Hennington” I couldn’t have said it better myself. I agree 100% with you
Had it been the shoe on the other foot, would it had been better treatment had it been an officer or first responder?
I have NO….ZERO respect for cops and this is a prime example of why.
They respect nothing, no one, and once again proved last night that they are heartless, full of hate, and don’t have an oz. of sympathy, not even for a father of a dying child.
I agree JUSTICE For JOHN
The same cop(s) that did this to this man may have to face the same thing one day and let’s see how calm they remain, lets see if they stand there waiting patiently. YEA right! What a double standard. Same thing for EMS workers, and firefighters
I for one think that cops are one of those who should take a pay cut, they are worth nothing to me now. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO respect
If you weren’t at the scene and seen the events that happened like we did then you don’t need to make negative comments against the father this was a tragic situation, that should have been handled by the troopers in a different manner. Prayers go out for a grieving father whom was not allowed to see his son 1 more time, instead he saw the walls of the escambia county jail.
CONSIDERING:
“a “parent” who’s only crime is LOVING HIS CHILD!!”
Actually, loving your child is not a crime, nor was anyone arrested for loving his child. Hours later and from miles away, we can judge the people involved being heartless monsters. Or we can imagine the following conversation in a similar situation:
“What happened to you?”
“I was trying to save a man trapped in a vehicle when his father knocked me into my power equipment and it cut me.”
“Were you able to save him?”
“No, they had to stop everything to keep me from bleeding to death and find my fingers. By the time they did, it was too late.”
“Could you have saved him if the father hadn‘t interfered?”
“We’ll never know. What’s more, others died in other wrecks where I might have saved them while I was laid up from the attack. They say I’ll be able to work again someday.”
David for true love
and compassion
This is a tragic thing that has happened, it’s ashame that it got to a point that someone was arrested. Do I think that could have been avoided, yes but I could never imagine seeing my only son like that, and to be honest they would probably have to put me away. The first reaction is to blame someone, I get it, but the first responders were only doing their job. Let’s hope they do the same if that was you in that truck. Who’s to say that 5 minutes could have meant the difference between life or death. We are praying for peace for the family and a pardon for the father.
im shocked i just seen him last week
I understand the anger but working in health care myself it is hard on us when we can’t save that person..we all have feelings trust me..we see death more then we would like to. And those officers are in the same boat with us. It’s heartbreaking to all involved. Sorry for your loss
I’ve known you for most of my life and find it hard to believe that you’re gone…like many of our friends growing up you were takin way too soon…you were always fun wild and free and never let anything bring you down!!! You will be truly miss Joiel… R.I.P. Red… Joiel Wilson Edmonson My thoughts and prayers to Papa John and Diane and Rori and the girls…
keep this family in your prayers. I love yall so mach
<3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
r.i.p jj you will be mis by many of pep we pray for your family
I can promise ya, It would have taken more than 1 Cop to keep me away from my son under the same circumstances…. Let the man out! RIP JJ..
I have lost a child. If I could’ve got to my sons accident I would’ve wanted to go to him and hold him and tell him I love him for the last time. I understand that emts and firefighters need to do their job but in that trajic moment when u see the vehicle that u know ur child is in and is hurt u think of nothing, nothing but getting to your child and trying to be there for them. If I could’ve got to TeJays accident that fateful morning then I guess I would’ve went to jail also. A parent only wants to help their child. I’m positive that Jj’s father in no way was trying to stop anyone from helping save his sons life. He just wanted to try to do what every parent is supposed to do. Look out for their kid. RIP JJ. Fly high baby boy and give a big high five to TeJay and Brian. And tell them both they are still greatly loved and missed. Lets hope the judge over this case has some compassion and drops all the charges and let a father grieve for his son. I hope the emts and firefighters involved in this understands it wasn’t against u. He only wanted to help his son.
I love the “Justice for John” idea. I will participate in anything that tries to help John, the family or friend’s being that I was a close friend of John, Diane, John John, Jerry Wayne, JJ, and the rest of the family for 25 year’s or more. Glad to see people who actually care and have concern for this family in this time of crisis.
What parent wouldn’t fight like heck to get to their kid.? I know I sure would and they’d have to do more than tase me. Real nice how a dad is in jail as his son dies. Unbelievable… well, not really for this area.
RIP JJ you will truly be missed…keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers….
RIP JJ love ya
Sad Sad situation for this family. I can’t imagine what I may have done in this in this scene. Faith, Hope & Love and LOVE being the strongest and the greatest. Prayers for the entire Edmonson family…May the peace of God be with you
Please drop any charges on this man and have some compassion. No, we were not there and we don’t know how bad it all was but there is no reason that this man should be punished any further. What a horrible situation. I know everyone was just trying to do their job but proving a point and setting an example is not necessary in this case. He obviously just wanted to be with his son and was beyond understanding once he saw the vehicle. RIP
To arrest a FATHER that is being nothing but concerned for his son?
Arrest a man that wants to see his son? be with his son?
If he was in any way interfering, then they could have just handcuffed him and contained him while first responders were doing their job!!
BUT, to actually tase him, arrest him, take him to jail, and put him under a bond of $15,500.00????? More than most actual criminals receive!!
MAKES ME SICK!!!
We should organize a “SUPPORT GROUP” called
“JUSTICE for JOHN” on T-shirts and have hundreds of people to show up at John’s court appearance to show support for a “parent” who’s only crime is LOVING HIS CHILD!!
I also hope the judge over this case throws it OUT, and put’s the arresting officer on UNPAID leave!
I just wonder if ANY of those “officers of the law” involved in tasing and arresting this man would have followed POLICY and PROCEDURE had it been their own child? NOPE!! Cause we all know the law DON’T have to follow the law!!
Lord, I pray the judge will understand what this man must have been going through, the torment he must have felt, the pain for his son, the pain of being tased, and Lord, I pray that the officer(s) who tased and arrested him are able to sleep at night knowing they could have handled this situation in several different ways, but then again, they probably don’t know You, nor do they have a conscious that would make them want to know you!
JUSTICE FOR JOHN…
Oh believe you me we all know about putting hands on cops we weren’t born yesterday but you hope there would be some kind of kindness in this world it does happen I do have respect for the law but sometimes they think there better than us they came into this world just like everybody else they also make big mistakes too. do unto others as you would want them to do unto you I grew up on that verse My Edmonson Family would give you the shirt off the back give there last dime so unless you been in that situation PLEASE KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE COMMMENTS TO YOURSELF The firefighter has been to many, many accident I am sure that they knew JW would not make it 5 minutes with his son would have not made a difference but 5 frecken minutes would have made a huge difference to my Uncle BIG JOHN MY wish and I am sure for everybody on this plant even cops,emts, etc. they would want to be with there child when they are dying that would be the greatest gift you could give me I brought my children into this world and if they were dying I would want to be by there side To my Uncle BIG John my heart and love goes out to you To JW girls so sorry your daddy is gone he loved you and was very proud of you all TO mom Diane so sorry you lost your baby boy This is the 4th deadly accident our family had to endure Always and forever Love Wanda, Wes, tom, Shelly, Braxton and The Southern Family
So sorry for this families loss!! Everyone has their on opinion, but unless you were in this fathers shoes at that moment, you can’t say what you would have or should have done in this tragedy!! Emotions can get the best of each and everyone of us when it comes to a loved one!! I believe the father was doing what any loving father would do, it’s not my place to judge, it is my job to pray for comfort for this family!! May God wrap his arms around everyone connected in this tragedy!!
I know the first responders need to do their job and action had to be taken. My question is, couldn’t they have place him in the back of a police car until they got his son out of the truck? He should have been the given the chance to touch is living son and say that he loved him. I’m sure they would have to locked me up in they crazy ward if I lost my son or a grandchild. My heart hurts for the father. There was no need to arrest him. I’m sure when given few minutes in the back of the police car–someone talking to him in a calm voice, he would have gained enough control. He only wanted to hold his son as he did the day he was born. Trust in the Lord John, you will see your son again.
It is à sad situation, but for those of you judging think of this. If they let him be with his son and delayed treatment then he dies (i know he passed away) you would be the same people crying lawsuit. You cant have it Both ways. Let them do there jobs its hard to i know when your family is the one lying there. They have the training to help.. prayers to the family.
Mine prayer goes out to Big John and Diane and there family rest in peace JJ you will be miss
I dont think anyone is judging, so to speak…but the facts are, in an Emergency such as this, seconds count..every second is Vital and the First responders are there doing their duty to do whatever is necessary to try and rescue the victim or victims in an accident. Family on scene only hinders first responders, they have specialized training, tools, and methods to get the job done fast and safely.
I’m certain under these circumstances the charges will be dropped as long as there are no priors. It’s really a sad thing that it all happened. I’m just as certain that the officers did all they could to calm the situation but had no choice in the end to restrain as they did. I see both sides of this. We must all have understanding & compassion for Edmondson & the Officers.
JJ you have left behind a hole in the heart of our amazing family that only you could fill. You are loved. Rest in peace my cousin.
So if the trooper and the man are headlocked, they should have treated his with compassion, and then what, let him get the trooper’s gun?
Many of you do not know the feeling of running up to an accident where your loved one is. I do first hand! My nephew of Hwy. 4, the Troopers had a first responder drive me about 1/4 mile away where others were waiting. I didn’t want to leave him because I just knew if I could get my arms around him, it would be better. Then 5 months later his baby brother also on hwy 4. hydroplaned.
The last was my husband 1 1/2 miles from our home, he hydroplaned and hit the only tree around. One thing that makes my situation different is that I had local responders from Jay, FL, Dixonville, AL, and Brewton, AL. All the responders knew both of us and treated me with a lot of compassion when I ran up to the scene. I might add that the really tough Police Officers, AHP, Recovery Team, First responders, Santa Rosa County Investigator, Escambia County AL, Sheriff Chief Deputy, were all crying right there with me. My point is, someone there has to have compassion for the family members. All this Father needed was a firm but gentle voice of reason, not arresting Mr. Edmonson. Until you are in his shoes you will never know what you would do. I pray that you never know what he was feeling at that time and I can assure you he was in shock.
My prayers are with you my old freind and your family.Im truly hurt and hope that big john can be let free of this madness of charges fom our finest local PD…
I know my brother he was trying to get to his only child whom he loved more than life itself please pray for him and our family JJ give granny &papa hugs for us all will miss you also pray for all involved please remember this father was just trying to get to his son all he wanted was to let JJ know he was there and that was taken away from him love you brother
Praying for the entire family..and a special prayer for JJ’s daughter’s! Nobody is promised tomorrow!
Rest in peace JJ you will be missed by so many ppl!
People need to stop and think. These firefighters/EMTs/Police Officers are also someones son/daughter/spouse/etc. They are there to serve a purpose…help save a life. Any family member has the right to be upset, but they do need to learn to have control of their actions, and acting out like he did, deserves him a place behind bars. Assulting the people helping you and yours is unacceptable.
Prayers to his family and friends…I am sure his daddy was overcome with emotions and just trying to get to his child….hopefully a judge will see this an let him go…I am not saying what he did is okay…but I know as a mother…I would fight the devil himself to get to my child and I would not care who it was…I think he will punish himself for not being able to help his son…even though there was nothing he could do.
Thoughts and prayers for the family
I’m so sorry the family has to endure this tragic loss! was he wrong to interfere? yes. would I probably do the same thing? yes. Subduing him was necessary, but to arrest him on top of him witnessing his sons death and letting him grieve in jail is WRONG WRONG WRONG!
They need to let big john go. This Is a bunch of bull crap.you can’t expect him not to want to see his son. I would have done the same thing. Rip JJ
Calm down for a minute and look at the top photo. Now imagine that tiny spot filled with firemen, paramedics and lots of equipment like the Jaws of Life to cut the roof off the truck. Where was Mr. Edmonson suppose to be? Right next to the Jaws of Life cutting through solid steel? First reponsders were hampered by Mr. Edmonson, which could have contributed to his sons’ death. We don’t know that for sure, but if firefighters did not have to wait for Mr. Edmonson and a trooper to headlock and fight, the son would have been out and receiving medical care much faster.
RIP JJ<3 prayers going to the family && my 3 little girls I love yall && to his wife<3
Rest in peace my brother, you will be missed
R. I. Please my brother, you will be missed
My prayer go out to the edmonsoms
There is no way they can keep his father. If I had seen my kid in something like that, then I may have reacted the very same way. Who could be calm in a situation like that?! Prayers going up for the Edmondson family.
we are so sorry for the loss that this family has taken and we feel along with I’m sure many others that this father should be released he was just worried about his son and doing as a parent would do for their child what the law enforcement is doing to this family is unmentionable and a crime in itself and they need to set his father free to lay his son to rest rest in peace JJ
life’s too short as it is, and you aren’t guaranteed the full ride, so don’t waste yourself on material objects. RIP.. but let it be a lesson learned.. do not take advantage of your life because death is always right around the corner waiting for its next victim.. you can not avoid it, you can only be aware that it is there, and learn to appreciate life for what it is.
Rest in peace Jay Jay Aunt Mary Loves you.
This is sad …i hope a judge will see that and release big john …seen smaller bonds for meth heads..i would have wanted to be at my sons side at all costs too..
hang in there buddy .
JJ will be greatly missed still in shock.
Some things are just common sense! It’s obvious that the father was overwhelmed by what had jus happened to his son. He wanted to get to his child. Yes he was an adult but he was still his child. I can understand controlling him because they needed to do their job & even detaining in the police car but to actually arrest him. His son died @ the area hospital & he wasnt even allowed to go to the hospital. This is CRAZY!!!! When will human kindness prevail. Praying for the family.
give my brother a break, he would have done everything to assist in the rescue of his son. just to hold his hand would have been a comfort to my nephew.
This is my nephew and my brother so be careful what you say. A father was on tryig to get to his son hoping he could be his hero one more time. Just one more time. Give him a break.
What any Parent would have done ,let the man go Home
Back I 2008, my son,grandson which had just turned 5 2 weeks prior to accident and my daughter n law , was in a horriffic one car accident. when I arrived at scene of accident, the firefightersbwould not let me get to my grandchild,son or daughter n law. I would of. been able to hold my grandson for the lastntime to let him know I was there and to tell him that I loved him. mybdaughter n law had anuriseum and wa. dea. before hitting bill board sign, and they had life lighted my son to mobile. I could of been there for my son too, to comfort him from the loss of his wife and son.it hurts in the long run , knowing that u had a chance just to hold your loved one to reassure them bthat u r there, or just being able to talk to them and let them know u loved them. there could even be an officer there to make sure ur not in the way, so they could do their bjob. no one knows how important this effects ur life knowing that u could of held them or even let them know u we4e there with them. I would of done everything bthat they told me to do if I could of just been there to tell him I loved him and to hold my grandson for the last time. things need to be changed for the families if they r at the scene to comfort their loved ones. the father should of not been arrested, he should of been there just to talk to his son while staying out of the way of emc’s. now, he was not able to say his goodbye’s to his only child and is sittin in jail because this is what he wanted to do!
I can’t believe they would arrest this father. As a parent, I can say that he was only acting any way any other parent would. Now this family is grieving and a father is in jail with a bond that is outrageous, that no one in molino could pay. If my son were is that truck, you would have to restrain me too. Every one knows some of the officers and EMTs in escambia county can be so inconsiderate. My prayers are with this family.
People better give him a break not that he would care anyway if your heartless enought to judge in a situstion such as this ..We merely do not care nor need that type people any flipn way.Heartless we have no room for so SHUT the front door if you dont like that. We merely have enought family to weed you pepole like itt right past us and out with the trash you can go.Simple minded people are only those that can not and are not capable of seeing outside the box..so who cares what you think if you fall in this catagory .Not an Edmonson you can bet that..
is is a sad- day for the Edmonson family,But even past that for his daddy-the heaviness I feel right now weights my heart down so I cant even breathe.I love you all so much I pray that somehow, someway God will see my family through,My Uncle John,Aunt Diane RORY ..My lil girls”’Jj’s babies” Johnjohn- JerryWayne.I LOVE YOU All .I feel your pain deeply!The worst most ultimate Nightmare is very much a reality today! We will stand by Uncle John and pray that he can find a way to hold up! I Know only one thing right this moment and really dint give a dingdong about other details now! I know my uncle would never do such in his right frame of mind, “no father should ever have to endure such as this my Uncle has! NOT EVER to see what he saw and feeling powerless. Noway could he see this nightmare unfold without fighting his way out of it hoping to wake up and it be just a bad nightmare -A reaction most any parent would have.Me personally I might just do the same but pray I never have to feel this type pain/ reality tryn to get to his boy,frame of mind..his very instint would be nothing less.but , o save him his self. He loves that boy.. loved him more thsn his own life as parents do .He couldnt take that or except it .His heart shattered on overload .I know this cause I know my uncle and he is Hurtn so deeply.i can only imagine his pain..but I love him and intend to forever..love you all…Tonia
Sad but Don’t put your hands on the cops or firefighters. You can not win.
The father could have been in shock and upset about his son..sad that he has to grieve in a jail cell. Prayers for the whole family.
The first responders are trained to try to save the person— family members who “know better” that the responders have to back off. I’ve seen other cases like this and the family member delays the person getting the help they need. The same as a family member driving 100 mph to get to a hospital where a family member is and causing an accident resulting in a death. I well understand the stress the family member is under—but let the “pro’s” do their job.
R.I.P. J W you will be missed dearly. Prayer’s go out to the family, I know all of you and am very sorry for what has happened. Just always remember he is in a better place now. God will take care of him. Fly high J W with your angel wing’s. Love you buddy.
Give the Father a break. He was upset over his son being in that truck, he was only being a Father that was upset and not aware of his actions. God bless the Family for their loss
Rip JJ we will miss you
I can’t believe this. I wasn’t there but I’m sure the father was just extremely upset about his son
no sympathy at all RIP and please pray for the father
RIP JJ, you will be missed by many! Prayers to your wife and kids!
Rip jay jay. Yu will be missed and love.
The father only wanted to see his son and would have participated in the rescue. The officers would have been better off just to have escorted him to the scene.
So sad. Condolences to the family on the death of your love one.
Also apologies to the dad that he had to be tased.
Could anyone have been rational and sane seeing their
Child had been in an horrible accident? Understand the responders
were doing their job and interference might have slowed
Them down, but REALLY, was tasing and arresting the only
Way to attend to this poor dad? No big strong fireman to
Hold him back? No strong troopers to handcuff and hold him
Back? Maybe you want ever have to face
This situation responders, but I personally know a situation of a car
Accident in Pensacola where the husband who had come upon
The accident was allowed to see his wife and was able to tell her
He loved her before she died an hour later at the hospital!
Prayers for the family.
My heart hurts for my family. Pray for us. R.I.P. J.W.
John is my uncle , I know he just wanted to see his son for the last time in his life . Put yourself in his position and im sure you would have reacted the same if ur son was on his death bed . jj was his only child , and I will support my uncle john to the end . don’t judge a book by its cover.
It is sad to see that a distraught father is being held on a higher bond than people who have committed heinous crimes. Yes, he did interfere with the rescue efforts of his son and assault an officer, but as a parent myself, I could only imagine what he was feeling at that moment. He wanted to get to his son and any parent would. I hope that the judge sees that this man was obviously upset and lowers his bond to a reasonable amount. My prayers and sympathies go out to the families effected by this tragedy.
Fly High JJ we’ll all miss you…still can’t believe you’re gone
so unbelievable…I am praying for the family and those lil babies. My heart hurts.
Prayers going out to the family.
RIP J.W. everyone is going to miss. We love you cuz
Fly high Jay Jay you’ll be missed