A resident recounted a night filled with flashing lights, emergency evacuations, and the echo of gunfire as a tense four-hour standoff concluded with an officer-involved shooting in Dinsmore.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Those living in the Dinsmore area are coming to terms with an unsettling night that culminated in police firing on a suspect outside a residence on Bradd Avenue after a prolonged standoff.
“It’s usually very peaceful here, so this was unexpected,” shared a neighbor who preferred to remain anonymous.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported the incident began around 10 p.m. on Monday when they were called to address a domestic violence situation involving 31-year-old Corey Sweeney. According to investigators, Sweeney allegedly threatened his mother with a knife, brandishing it near her face. She managed to flee the house, but Sweeney reportedly locked her out, prompting a high-stakes response from law enforcement.
As officials attempted to resolve the situation, the neighbor described feeling startled by the sudden influx of police activity.
“We were just watching TV,” she recounted, “when we noticed the lights. We stepped outside to see what was unfolding, and shortly thereafter, we were evacuated and sat in a police vehicle.”
That neighbor said she, her husband, and their children were evacuated around 11:30 p.m. They spent hours sitting in a police car while law enforcement worked nearby.
JSO said Sweeney did not comply with commands. Investigators said he broke a window from inside the house, cutting an officer, prompting police to call in the SWAT team.
During the standoff, authorities said Sweeney exited the home at least once wearing a football helmet and swinging a hammer, then retreated inside. When he came out again, holding an object and threatening to throw it at officers, two officers shot him in the leg.
The neighbors said she heard the gunfire.
“Just quick, loud snapping, probably two or three times.”
No neighbors were injured, but the emotional impact lingered long after police cleared the scene.
The neighbor said she was aware Sweeney had a history of mental health issues. JSO said he had a long criminal history, and he had previously been Baker Acted, a legal process that allows law enforcement to temporarily detain someone for a mental health evaluation.
“It’s just sad overall for everybody,” she said.
JSO said Sweeney is facing multiple charges related to the incident. The investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing.
According to the sheriff’s office, this is the 16th officer-involved shooting in Jacksonville this year.
