
In a recent release by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, details surrounding an officer-involved shooting on December 13, 2024, have come to light, with the announcement that termination proceedings for the officer responsible for the incident are underway. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office statement reveals that Officer S. Lowry initiated a traffic stop that day, after a vehicle driven by Jason Arrington ran a red light, and was later joined by Officers A. Weippert and M. Cardwell.
During the stop, Arrington, who was cooperating, told Officer Lowry he had a gun. Lowry asked him to get out of the car, which Arrington did without resistance. However, when Officer Cardwell tried to take the gun from Arrington's waist, it accidentally fired and hit Arrington in the leg. After the incident, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office investigated and charged Officer Cardwell with incompetence, leading to his dismissal.
Under Sheriff Waters, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has promised transparency. To follow through, they have shared Body Worn Camera footage from all three officers, a photo of Arrington's damaged steering column, and a summary of the Internal Affairs investigation on their "Trending Topics" page. These materials are meant to provide more details about the shooting.
These materials were released after Sheriff Waters promised more transparency in the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. They provide a clearer picture of what happened during the December incident and show a move towards greater accountability in the department. By sharing the findings and related media, the Sheriff's Office allows the community to better understand the events leading to Arrington's injury and encourages ongoing communication and engagement.