Authorities have confirmed that two officers sustained injuries, though thankfully none were life-threatening.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A shooting incident in Gainesville on Wednesday morning resulted in two officers getting injured and the suspect being fatally shot, as reported by the police.
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya shared that a 911 call was received at about 7:56 a.m. from someone reporting a gunshot in the vicinity of East University Avenue. Speaking to First Coast News, he mentioned that an officer already nearby attempted to intercept the suspect’s vehicle as described in the call.
The vehicle came to a halt near the intersection of East University Avenue and SE Hawthorne Road. Moya detailed that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, exited the vehicle and launched an “ambush-style attack,” firing at the officer.
Chief Moya explained that the officer responded by firing back while moving to a safer position, and soon, two more officers arrived at the scene.
Upon their arrival, the suspect reportedly opened fire on the additional officers as well.
Two officers were shot during the exchange of gunfire, the police department said, including the officer who pulled over the suspect. According to Moya, both officers were taken to Shands Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to make a full recovery. Moya said the suspect was killed during the shootout.
Moya further explained that the investigation took officers to a nearby lumber yard, where a person was found shot to death and the suspect was seen going onto the property moments before the shooting.
Moya said the suspect parked behind a KFC located in the 1300 block of East University Avenue, met with the person found dead at the lumber yard, and returned to his car when he attempted to flee the scene, leading to the shooting.
Police said East University Avenue will remain closed for several hours due to the active investigation.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released the following statement on the shooting:
“Our hearts are with our friends at the Gainesville Police Department after two officers were shot while responding to a shots-fired call. The suspect has been killed.
We are grateful to hear that both officers are recovering.
This incident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face every day. We thank all those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities.
Sheriff Waters and the entire Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stand in solidarity with the Gainesville Police Department and everyone affected.”
