In Jacksonville, two individuals were wounded in separate shootings early on New Year’s Day, as reported by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The incidents unfolded a couple of hours apart, with the first occurring on the Westside and the later one on the Southside.
Authorities have detailed the circumstances surrounding each event. According to Sgt. Smith of the JSO, officers were dispatched to the 5000 block of Westchase Court shortly after midnight following reports of a shooting.
The victim, identified as a man in his mid-20s, was struck by a bullet in his right calf. Despite the injury resulting in a broken leg, he was privately transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover, as the injuries are not life-threatening.
Here’s what JSO said led up to each incident.
Westside shooting
JSO’s Sgt. Smith said officers responded to the 5000 block of Westchase Court around midnight in reference to a person shot.
Smith said the victim, a man in his mid-20s, sustained a gunshot wound to his right calf. He was taken to a local hospital privately and has non-life-threatening injuries despite suffering a broken leg, according to Smith.
JSO said the preliminary investigation indicates that a group of people were shooting fireworks for the holiday. The victim walked past the group and a male in the group began arguing with the victim, according to Smith. The suspect then pulled out a gun, Smith said, and began shooting at the victim.
JSO described the suspect to be a man in his late-20s, who is 6’2 and was wearing a yellow shirt and possibly white and pink shoes at the time of the incident.
The sheriff’s office added that the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no further threat to the community.
Southside shooting
Sgt. Smith said at 2 a.m., officers responded to a local hospital in reference to a person shot. He said officers were able to determine that the shooting occurred in the 5800 block of Barnes Road and that the victim sustained gunshot wounds to his leg.
The victim is reportedly in his late teens. His injuries are non-life-threatening, according to Smith.
JSO said the preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was walking with a group of his friends in the 5800 block of Barnes Road. The victim told officers he heard several gunshots, but did not see who was shooting.
Afterward, JSO said the victim advised that he realized he was struck by a bullet. His friends helped him get to the hospital and are cooperating in the investigation, Smith said.
Anyone with information on either shooting 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.
