Officials say the incident happened shortly after the man drove through a red light and crashed into a car with a woman and her two kids inside.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 69-year-old man is dead after being shot by Jacksonville police officers on Saturday evening.
At approximately 6 p.m., officers were dispatched to a crash involving injuries at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and I-295. During a press briefing, Jacksonville Police Chief Alan Parker explained that, according to witness accounts, a woman driving a Camry with her two children attempted to turn north onto I-295 when a man in an SUV ran a red light and collided with them.
The man reportedly gestured a thumbs up to her, exited his vehicle, and started walking around while “making statements.” Parker indicated that the man expressed intent to harm himself and was in possession of a firearm.
Upon arrival at the location, an officer engaged in attempts to communicate and negotiate with the man for roughly 20 minutes, but authorities reported that there was no reaction.
“When the officer was negotiating, he was saying, ‘We’re not here to hurt you.’ Because, we’re not. We’re here to try and get this settled as peacefully and safely as possible,” Sheriff T.K Waters said at the press conference.
Eventually, a bicyclist was traveling by the scene. According to Parker, the suspect turned towards the bicyclist.
“The officers had to engage him. He still had a gun in his hand,” Parker said at the press conference.
The officers then shot at him, according to Parker. First responders took him to the hospital, where he did not survive.
“Beach Boulevard is a very busy road. Once he got up and he was mobile, you can’t take the risk of him coming up to this hotel, walking into the street, walking across the street, because you have no idea what he’s going to do,” Waters said. “The officers made a decision, took care of the business that needed to be taken care of. Unfortunately, he lost his life, but we saved some others I’m sure.”
Parker confirmed that the woman and her two kids, ages seven and 10, were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The suspect, who authorities have not identified at this time, had five DUIs and his license was permanently revoked in 2024. Parker said the man had no mental health history.
Authorities say the officer that was negotiating with the man has been with JSO for 6 years, and this is his first officer-involved shooting. Another officer who was also involved in the shooting has been with JSO for five years.
Beach Boulevard was shut down following the incident but has since reopened in all directions.
An investigation is ongoing.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and needs help right away:
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach the suicide prevention lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
