State trial gets underway for Florida man charged with attempted murder of Nash County deputy
The state trial began Monday for the man accused of wounding a Nash County deputy during a shootout two years ago on Interstate 95.
Jarred Ford, 34, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was sentenced last week to 10 years in federal prison in connection with the incident.
Jury selection began Monday in Ford’s trial in State Superior Court in Nash County, where he faces charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.
Investigators say in February 2021, Nash County deputies stopped Ford for speeding on I-95. When deputies tried to detain ford to search the car for drugs, investigators say he pulled out a gun and began firing.
Deputy William Toney was shot in both arms. Toney survived, but had to retire from the sheriff’s office due to his injuries.
In August 2022, Ford was tried in federal court on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a federal case because he was accused of taking the gun across state lines.
Ford chose to represent himself in federal court and admitted to having a gun, and also confessed to shooting the Nash County deputy.
The state is now trying Ford for the shooting itself.
If convicted, Ford could face decades more behind bars.
Ford will once again represent himself in court. Opening statements are due to start at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
