The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said two masked individuals approached and shot the man, then left the scene in a dark-colored vehicle.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a man in his early 20s was fatally shot in the parking lot of a hotel on Jacksonville’s Southside early Tuesday morning, shortly after attending a birthday party.
Sgt. M. Highfill reported that officers arrived at Embassy Suites, located at 9300 Baymeadows Rd., around 1:15 a.m. in response to a shooting regarding the man.
When officers arrived, Highfill said they found the man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Highfill said the man later died on scene.
Initial investigations by JSO indicated that the man departed from a birthday party at the hotel and headed to the parking lot, where “two masked individuals” approached and shot him.
Highfill said the two masked individuals then fled the scene in a dark-colored vehicle.
According to Highfill, multiple witnesses were detained and are cooperating with JSO’s investigation.
Highfill additionally informed First Coast News that several vehicles were hit by gunfire and reassured that there is no threat to the community, as the sheriff’s office considers the shooting to be an isolated event.
One hotel guest told us she was staying on the top floor in the back part of the hotel.
“This morning, while having breakfast, I noticed a police presence and thought it was unusual because we have good security here. Then someone mentioned the shooting, and I was surprised,” one person remarked.
The hotel guest commented, “It’s very scary and very sad for the family and all his friends. The concerning part is that the suspects are still at large and haven’t been apprehended yet.”
But just a few hours later, more police came on scene. We spoke with one other hotel guest who chose not to go on camera. Their vehicle was the one next to a Dodge charger with several bullet holes in it. Police say one handgun was found on top of the front driver’s side tire of their car.
Next to it, JSO found a second handgun underneath the front passenger side tire of the Dodge charger.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call JSO’s non-emergency number at 904-630-0500. To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
