Shots Fired At Escambia Deputies In Cantonment; Sheriff Issues Warning For Suspect

November 7, 2016

There was a massive manhunt today in Cantonment after shots were fired at Escambia County deputies. There were no deputies hit or injured.

The deputies were working to serve a felony warrant in the 900 block of Booker Street area when someone in a silver Dodge Charger or a black Chevrolet Impala  drove by and shot at them, according to Amber Southard, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

“We have reason to believe that someone attempted to ambush our deputies in Cantonment,” Escambia County Deputy Sheriff David Morgan said.

Deputies were attempting to serve warrants on Jeffrey Jermaine Purifoy (pictured left) for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill and aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony at the time the shots were fired.

“Mr. Purifoy, I am looking for you. I request that you turn yourself in. This is Escambia County, FL. Unlike other places in the United States of America,  when shot at, we shoot back. Or especially when we have cowards who attempt to ambush our officers. You entered into a very deadly game young man,” Morgan said.  I recommend that you turn yourself in.”

Morgan requested that the citizens of Cantonment provide any information on Purifoy’s whereabouts. “Do it now, before someone gets hurt,” Morgan said.

Anyone with information on Purifoy’s whereabouts should call (850) 436-9620 or 911.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Comments

25 Responses to “Shots Fired At Escambia Deputies In Cantonment; Sheriff Issues Warning For Suspect”

  1. Tim Grant on November 9th, 2016 11:46 am

    I can’t believe some people. If someone shoots at me I am shooting back. It’s called self defense, plain and simple. If that person who wrote “Sick of Morgan’s politics . . ” about ECSD shoots too often. If you feel that way get trained, put on a badge and go do your job and when some shoots at you I want you to stand up and say stop that. You are the biggest whiner. Quit whining and support your local sheriff’s department.

  2. billy on November 8th, 2016 6:21 pm

    Morgan…….you’re deputies need to shoot more often.

  3. Gary on November 8th, 2016 12:46 pm

    Glad that no deputies were injured. The ECSD does an excellent job and I hope they catch thug Purifoy before the sun goes down.

  4. fisherman on November 8th, 2016 12:09 pm

    If you want change you have to VOTE!!!!! If you don’t vote keep your trap shut!!!!!

  5. Sick of Morgan's politics on November 8th, 2016 10:12 am

    Morgan, your deputies already shoot way too often, they don’t need additional encouragement from you. Crime rates continue to rise and all you do is look for any opportunity to stand on a soapbox. Stop being a politician and start being a Sheriff.

  6. Kevin Vickrey on November 8th, 2016 8:33 am

    Debbie, If you knew anything about Law Enforcement it means quite a bit. You really cannot have effective community policing in the Molino/Cantonment area because Morgan has shut down the Precinct in Molino/Cantonment area which encompasses the area from Pine Barren to West Roberts to Santa Rosa county and west past Dogwood Park on the Atmore Hwy. I know a little about it. I retired in 2010 as a Sgt (ECSO) after 25 years. The Communication among the Deputies isn’t there when when Deputies are not stationed in a sub station. Over my career it was all about going home safe. Don’t insinuate that I don’t care. I could care less about Morgan. But it was a bad decision to shut down that Precinct and relocate 16 Deputies. I also am not afraid to post my entire name.

  7. Ray Merritt on November 8th, 2016 1:09 am

    The area around Booker is a hotbed of illegal activity, you can hear gunfire from there daily. The fellow must have a death wish to pull a stunt like that. he is def playing a losing hand!

  8. Canman on November 7th, 2016 10:24 pm

    I Agree with malynda kervin. We need Leo’s in the cantonment area but not handing out speedning tickets (as they are doing at the 97/muscogee road area). Sheriff let’s work on cleaning the streets this area needs not pulling people over for 45 in a 35..

  9. Frank on November 7th, 2016 10:13 pm

    Angie, it never said he was in the House, If you could only read. They were serving a Warrant at the home when someone drove by and fired shots at the Officers… Under these circumstances How can you or anyone not support our officers… These officer have families and some, Small kids at home only waiting for their father or Mother to come home after their shift..

    “WE SUPPORT OUR MEN & WOMEN IN BLUE”

  10. Karen on November 7th, 2016 10:01 pm

    @Kevin I know how you feel try calling for help in Beulah.

  11. James on November 7th, 2016 9:55 pm

    Angie, READ. They shoot back when fired upon or threatened with a weapon. Don’t try to manipulate their words. People need to stop this crap where one doesn’t accept the consequences for one’s actions! They are not looking to hurt anyone that is not out to hurt them, or the public. Read what the charges are against Purifoy and you will understand why they have concern.

  12. Fed up on November 7th, 2016 9:53 pm

    They need to get him and the rest of the count up gang along with him they already responsible for phonzo’s death now they are shooting at the deputies when will the madness stop? ?

  13. Angie on November 7th, 2016 9:27 pm

    … So are you looking too hurt him Morgan??? If you’ll say he was inside the home tell me how he was the one responsible for firing shots….. You’ll are so quick to lie to the public about the truth…

  14. Jcellops on November 7th, 2016 8:59 pm

    Too bad there is not a better picture offered of Mr. Purifoy and his age mentioned…the public might actually be able to help. (I realize that William can only post info that is provided to him) …I am extremely thankful that the deputies escaped harm- it could have easily gone either way.

  15. Kevin Vickrey on November 7th, 2016 8:41 pm

    It means a lot Debbie when you are talking about Building relationships with communities in our areas up here. I know a little about it. I retired as Sgt from the ECSOassigned to Molino in 2010. But I know the S/O is sending different officers up here and it does make a difference. Could care less about Morgan. Just want our Deputies safe and be pro-active up here.

  16. billy on November 7th, 2016 8:09 pm

    God bless you officers…………this dude needs a big attitude adjustment……..Im praying for you officers

  17. Malynda Kervin on November 7th, 2016 6:42 pm

    With the increase in population to this area & the crime
    Level increased it makes no sence to not have deputies
    In this area or at our station ! Please return them, the
    Officiers are a blessing of protection ! I have known
    & met several that was there in a time of need !

  18. Debbie on November 7th, 2016 6:32 pm

    Kevin just how and what does this have to do with the deputies mustering in Ensley?
    Are you trying to get in a last lick at our sheriff before the last voting day ? Nice try !
    I’m really glad to hear that none of the deputies or any innocent bystanders were killed.

  19. Mary on November 7th, 2016 5:39 pm

    Oh they will catch him…they know where & who he hangs with just a matter of time

  20. bella on November 7th, 2016 5:21 pm

    DON, The person they went to serve warrant on fleed. Thus, the canine. Now he is in bigger trouble.

  21. Family on November 7th, 2016 5:07 pm

    Who were n da car or do yall know …. Did yall see Mr. PURIFOY OR IS IT HE SAY ND SHE SAY !!!! Really Mr.Mogan u cant put dat on Mr. Purifoy If he not around here nd havem been all day !!!

  22. Shay on November 7th, 2016 3:21 pm

    Glad nobody was hurt.

  23. Don on November 7th, 2016 2:52 pm

    K-9’s can scan sniff out for a moving Dodge charger?

  24. Anthony on November 7th, 2016 2:15 pm

    Sounds like they got away

  25. Kevin Vickrey on November 7th, 2016 2:15 pm

    Glad the guys are safe! But I am not shocked! Morgan has closed the Molino /Cantonment Substation. I have noticed the lack of Deputies patrolling our area! Open it back up. He took 16 deputies away from us. They now muster in Ensley. Put our Deputies back in Precinct 5!!!