JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A shootout on Saturday seriously wounded two individuals and caused damage to nearby businesses and vehicles, prompting an investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities were called to Shirley Avenue, near Lakeshore, on Saturday afternoon following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the incident had unfolded when a store clerk confronted an alleged thief.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the confrontation escalated when another man began firing at the clerk, leading to a gunfire exchange. “Several businesses and vehicles were hit by bullets,” a JSO deputy informed First Coast News. “We have detained several individuals in connection with this event. It seems to be an isolated case, posing no further threat to the community.”

The shop clerk, a man in his early 20s, suffered a critical gunshot wound to the chest and was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital by emergency responders.

The clerk, a man in his early 20s, was injured with a life-threatening gunshot wound to his chest and was transported to a local hospital by emergency crews.

After the incident, the JSO deputy said, a man, also in his early 20s was taken in a car to the hospital. He is currently in critical condition and suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The investigation is still ongoing, and JSO said findings are preliminary, since detectives are still processing the crime scene for evidence. Detectives are also speaking with witnesses and canvassing for additional material.

Detectives with JSO ask the public for information related to the incident.

You can contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office via phone at 904-630-0500. Or you can do so via email at: jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org. You can also call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 866-845-TIPS.