A security guard was fatally shot at the Dragon Arcade on Jacksonville's Westside, during an incident that police believe may have been targeted, as reported by News4Jax. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to a call at approximately 2 a.m. yesterday and upon arrival, found the security guard with multiple gunshot wounds, leading to his untimely death at the scene.
The tragedy unfolded inside the Dragon Arcade located on Edgewood Avenue North, near West Beaver Street, where two masked and armed suspects were said to have entered the premises and opened fire, although the motive remains unclear, investigators have since been sifting through video surveillance footage and other evidence in search of answers, and as per First Coast News, a cease-and-desist order has been issued to the arcade as it was operating as an illegal internet café not permitted in Duval County.
Residents of the plaza expressed their grief and concern, with Lynett Thompson telling ActionNewsJax, "It's sad that the guy is not going home to his family,” after she learned of the violent act that had taken place in her community, offering that she would keep the victim in her prayers.
In light of the incident, local business owners like Michael Miller, who runs Big House of Hookah, Glass and Vape, are voicing their unease, as he related to First Coast News the impact such violence has on commerce and community, expressing "People are afraid to come to the store, come to the plaza," and noting a string of other recent shootings that have cultivated a palpable sense of fear.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is actively seeking any information that the public may have concerning the shooting and urges those with knowledge of the events to reach out via their hotline at 904-630-0500 or through the Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
