A search is underway for an “armed and dangerous” man suspected of a carjacking in Orlando then stealing a pick-up truck in Plant City.
The man was identified as Majar L. Jones late Wednesday night.
Authorities explained that Jones drove down I-4 to Polk County Wednesday morning, then led deputies on a pursuit across county lines.
He apparently caused a minor crash in Polk.
When he got to Plant City, Jones abandoned the Cadillac CTS from Orlando in the travel lanes of I-4 near Thonotosassa Road, according to a spokesman with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
He ran into a subdivision where he stole a 2002 green Ford F150 pick-up truck with a trailer attached to it.
The truck has the Florida tag 937 9TJ.
“I don’t know where he came from. He was running and jumped into one of my trucks,” said the owner of the vehicle, Jorge Ballin.
Ballin said he followed Jones to the Marathon gas station located at Marshall Drive and Thonotosassa Road and the two men got into a confrontation. Jones pulled out a gun and fired two shots at the victim.
“I pulled in right in front of him and he pulled out a gun and started shooting,” Ballin said.
At least three bullet holes were noticeable in the truck.
Authorities said Jones drove off with the truck and ditched the trailer a short distance later. He was last seen heading southbound on Thonotosassa Road.
Jones is described as a 5’6″ black man, weighing approximately 240 pounds with bald or short cropped hair. He was last seen wearing a green shirt and blue jeans.
He is believed to be armed.
Those with information on the man or the vehicle should call 911 immediately.
“When he goes to the level of firing at somebody, that becomes very concerning,” said sheriff’s spokesman Larry McKinnon. “It elevates it into something that’s obviously very dangerous.”
The Florida Highway Patrol, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
