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The Jacksonville Beach police are looking for several suspects in connection to three shootings that occurred in less than an hour on St. Patrick’s Day. One person died and three others were injured in the incidents.
During a press briefing on Monday, officials reported that the bar district of Jacksonville Beach experienced three distinct incidents of gunfire on Sunday. Although the area is known for its vibrant nightlife, authorities have not yet captured any suspects involved in the shootings.
According to Chief Gene Paul Smith of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, the violence resulted in three injuries and one fatality.
This week, Chief Smith reported that officers were given information about a potential event where organized fights were scheduled to take place on the beach on Sunday.
Approximately 250 to 400 individuals in their late teens showed up at the location, and some of them got into altercations. However, the police officers present were able to break up the fights and disperse the crowd.
According to Chief Smith, the shootings began following the dispersal of the crowd.
At approximately 7:50pm, the initial shooting took place, involving two individuals who were believed to be involved, resulting in an innocent bystander who was not from the area being injured.
The incident occurred on the boardwalk near the Best Western Hotel in the 400 block. Fortunately, the police were already nearby and were able to quickly respond, apprehend the suspects, and provide medical assistance.
Authorities stated that prior to the incidents, a large crowd had gathered on the beach for planned physical altercations.
The suspects who were injured and believed to be victims are currently undergoing surgery in critical condition, stated Chief Smith. He mentioned that two of them were taken to the hospital, while the third person, known as a member of a gang, went to the hospital on their own.
The bystander, who was completely uninvolved, was struck by bullets three times and is reported to be in a critical state.
At approximately 8:13pm, a second event took place where a male individual ran through the parking lot of The Ritz bar, produced a handgun, and discharged one round, resulting in a pursuit on foot.
No one was harmed and the perpetrator escaped from the officers’ pursuit.
Shortly after, at 8:31pm, shots were heard emanating from the back of Sneakers Sports Grille. Onlookers reported that a disturbance had escalated, resulting in three individuals brandishing guns.
It is believed that only one individual used their gun, but a 21-year-old man was fatally shot, prompting authorities to search for three suspects.
Police Chief Smith stated that they believe the three shootings are unconnected because they occurred in different locations. However, they are still in the preliminary stages of their investigations.
To assist with their investigation, the police will be examining various video recordings, social media updates, and tips provided by the public. If you have any additional information about the events on Sunday evening, please reach out to the authorities.
Authorities are currently seeking multiple individuals.
The mayor of the city, Christine Hoffman, expressed sorrow and regret over the shootings that took place. She also commended the collaboration between local businesses and law enforcement while the area was crowded with beach visitors and people celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
“She informed local journalists that there were multiple instances that, at present, appear to be potentially unrelated,” she stated. “Therefore, we aim to gather as much information as possible.”
On Sunday evening, officials enacted a temporary lockdown in the vicinity, urging individuals to remain indoors as law enforcement quickly responded to an active shooter situation. However, the order was lifted before 11pm.
The shooting prompted authorities to temporarily lockdown the area.
The site of the crime was made safe, all non-law enforcement individuals were accompanied out of the vicinity, and officers were actively searching for potential suspects.
Chief Smith described it as a significant challenge, especially due to the busy holiday activities such as spring break and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the bar district. Additionally, there were also attendees from the nearby Players Championship golf tournament.
The police discovered a number of spent bullet shells from both a pistol and a rifle. Two of these weapons were found at the locations, including a pistol used in the second incident.
Chief Smith provided a description of a victim from the initial shooting as a slender and tall African American male. The suspect involved in the second shooting was noted as a thin and tall Black male wearing a ski mask. For the third occurrence, the individuals wielding firearms were identified as Black males, and the individual who discharged a weapon was described as a lanky, six-foot-tall African American male with a trimmed beard.
The investigation is still in progress, even though all scenes have been cleared.
Source: independent.co.uk
