JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A chaotic scene unfolded in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, as an active shooter incident in the downtown bar district on St. Patrick’s Day resulted in one fatality and two injuries, according to local authorities.
Sgt. Tonya Tator of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department disclosed that the violence, believed to have been carried out by multiple shooters, occurred openly in the bustling district. As of Sunday evening, the suspects remained at large while law enforcement worked diligently to apprehend them.
Following the harrowing event, residents were advised to shelter in place for their safety. However, the shelter-in-place order was later lifted, although the downtown bar district and beachfront were cordoned off indefinitely as the police continued their investigation.
In an effort to piece together the events of the shooting, investigators sought the public’s assistance in providing any information or potential leads on the suspects. Sgt. Tator emphasized the importance of community cooperation in helping law enforcement solve the case and ensure justice is served.
As authorities scrambled to gather descriptions of the suspects, a scheduled news conference was announced for early the following day. The forthcoming press briefing aimed to update the public on the ongoing investigation and provide further details on the incident.
The incident sent shockwaves through the Jacksonville Beach community, leaving residents and visitors unsettled by the sudden outbreak of violence. With the suspects still at large, residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police department.
Law enforcement officials reassured the public that they were working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore a sense of safety and security to the city. The swift and coordinated response of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department highlighted the commitment to protecting the community in the face of adversity.