An officer-involved shooting in the Arlington Manor area on Thursday left 30-year-old Dejuane Aki Hayden, a "known gang member", dead, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated. The incident unfolded when officers, conducting surveillance near the 2900 block of Justina Road at around 4 p.m., observed individuals alleged to be gang members "flashing guns back and forth" and partaking in what looked to be drug transactions, as per reports by Action News Jax.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that when officers approached three men, two complied while the third, identified as Hayden, fled with a gun. Officer Bradley Griffitts, a six-year veteran involved in his second officer-involved shooting, gave chase. "The suspect then drew his gun," said the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, prompting Griffitts to fire four times. Although Hayden fell and dropped his weapon, he reportedly ignored the officer's commands, stood up with empty hands, and ran. After a chase, officers caught Hayden, who had been shot. He received medical care but later died from his injuries at a hospital, according to Action News Jax.
As stated by News4Jax, a video circulating on social media is allegedly connected to the incident; however, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office clarified that this video does not show the actual shooting scene. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated that while the sheriff is committed to transparency, including releasing body camera footage within 21 days, this particular video does not depict the officer's use of force. A full investigation is underway, with the State Attorney's Office independently examining the circumstances of the shooting.
The remaining two individuals involved were taken into custody. Police have recovered one of the pistols, identified as an airsoft gun, and are awaiting a warrant to search a vehicle where another gun, which appears to be real, is located. The gun Hayden was carrying at the time of the confrontation has been confirmed as real, as per Jax Today report.
