JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL – Authorities in Jacksonville Beach are in pursuit of several suspects following three distinct shootings that occurred near the boardwalk and downtown area on Sunday evening. The incidents resulted in one fatality and at least three injuries.
Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith communicated during a press briefing on Monday morning that several alleged shooters are still at large. “The situation last night was extremely chaotic,” Smith stated, “We are currently investigating three separate unrelated shootings.”
The initial shooting occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m. in the 400 block of the boardwalk, east of the Best Western hotel. Smith indicated that officers had previously been informed of a potential gathering of teenagers under the pier. Upon arrival, they found between 250 and 400 late teens participating in boxing matches and fights. As officers were dispersing the crowd, shots were fired.
An eyewitness who captured video footage during the shooting reported hearing “about 15 to 20 gunshots” and described a scene of panic as “everybody started scattering.”
According to Smith, two suspects shot each other and an innocent bystander from out of town was also hit. One suspect and the bystander were immediately transported to a hospital, while the second suspect, identified as a certified gang member, self-reported to the hospital. All three individuals are in serious condition.
The second shooting took place around 8:13 p.m. near the Ritz bar in the downtown area. A suspect brandished a pistol and fired a single shot. Although no one was injured, the suspect managed to evade police during a foot chase.
The third incident occurred at about 8:31 p.m. behind Sneakers bar, where a 21-year-old Black male was fatally shot. Three armed suspects, all Black males, drew firearms, but only one fired shots. The trio remains at large.
In response to the multiple shootings, authorities requested residents to shelter in place. The order was lifted at 10:54 p.m. as officers continued to work at the scenes of the shootings.
No police officers discharged their firearms during any of the incidents, and no arrests have been made as investigations continue.
Shell casings from multiple pistols and rifles were found at the three shooting scenes. Smith confirmed that two firearms used in the shootings have been recovered.