A dramatic incident early Sunday morning left a Northside furniture store severely damaged after three youths crashed a stolen car into the establishment, igniting a fire. The mishap has resulted in an estimated $25,000 worth of damage, according to local authorities.
The chaotic scene unfolded at the Furniture Mattress Depot located on Dunn Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida. Police report that the vehicle, taken unlawfully, crashed into the store’s façade and subsequently burst into flames.
In the aftermath, the store’s interior, typically bustling with shoppers, now lies in disarray, littered with shattered glass and debris. Speaking anonymously to First Coast News, the store owner expressed that the extensive repairs required will exceed $25,000.
“I feel for the business owner having to deal with this unfortunate situation,” commented Donald Foy, President of MAD DADS Jacksonville, an organization focused on community safety and advocacy.
Foy, who has dedicated over ten years to working with young offenders at the Duval County Jail, emphasized that incidents like these often stem from issues within the home environment.
Community advocate Donald Foy says cases like this often start with what’s happening at home. He spent more than a decade working with young offenders at the Duval County Jail.
“I work with these young people like this for 11 years on the sixth floor of the jail, the ones that have been certified as adults. So I mean, I work with them, had much more serious charges than this,” said Foy.
In a statement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office urged parents to get involved, writing: “This group made a choice — and now they’ll face the consequences.”
Foy says mentoring programs and community support can make a real difference.
“To become a mentor for these young people and to work with them through basketball, for them to learn discipline and character,” said Foy
The owner tells First Coast News he doesn’t know how he’ll raise the money to repair the damage but hopes the community will step in to help. A GoFundMe has been launched in support.
