Police in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, are currently searching for multiple suspects following a series of three separate and unrelated shootings that occurred near the boardwalk and downtown area on Sunday evening. The incidents resulted in one fatality and left at least three others injured.
Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith addressed the media on Monday morning, highlighting the chaotic nature of the events. Chief Smith stated that multiple suspected shooters are still at large, and the police are actively investigating the incidents.
The first shooting took place around 7:50 p.m. in the 400 block of the boardwalk near the Best Western hotel. Authorities had received reports of a large gathering of teenagers beneath the pier, with approximately 250 to 400 juveniles engaging in boxing matches and fights. Gunfire erupted while officers were dispersing the crowd, resulting in one innocent bystander being struck along with two suspects who shot each other.
The second shooting occurred at 8:13 p.m. near the Ritz bar in the downtown area. A suspect displayed a pistol and fired a shot but did not cause any injuries. The suspect managed to evade police during a subsequent foot chase.
The third shooting happened at 8:31 p.m. behind Sneakers bar, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old Black male. Three armed suspects, all Black males, were involved, with one opening fire. The suspects are currently at large.
Following the shootings, authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for the city, which was later lifted at 10:54 p.m. No police officers discharged their firearms during the incidents, and no arrests have been made as the investigations continue.
Police recovered multiple pistol and rifle shell casings at the scenes, along with two firearms used in the shootings. During the lockdown, officers evacuated citizens from businesses in the downtown district and beachfront while searching for the outstanding suspects.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing numerous ambulances and patrol cars in the affected areas as law enforcement worked to secure the scenes and gather evidence.
