Authorities in Jacksonville are on the lookout for two suspects following a Sunday morning shooting that left two young men wounded. As reported by News4Jax, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to a hospital alert at 5:13 a.m. where the victims, both in their early 20s, were being treated for gunshot injuries. One of the men sustained a chest wound and is in critical but stable condition while the other was shot in the leg and is stable.
The incident took place in the 900 block of Arlington Road North, where the suspects, described as two Hispanic men, commenced firing at the victims' vehicle, the JSO disclosed. After the initial attack, the victims escaped onto Arlington Expressway and over the Mathews Bridge, only to be shot at once more. According to a First Coast News report, law enforcement located dozens of evidence markers at the scene and are currently in pursuit of the dark-colored SUV the assailants were driving.
Evidence gathered by JSO indicates that this violence may not be a random act, as further insights hint at a targeted shooting. A local resident, Keion Parrish, expressed to Action News Jax that this event is not entirely surprising given the increasing prevalence of gun violence in the Arlington area. "They moved a club over here and there's always large fights. There is not enough police attention here," said Parrish.
In contrast to Parrish's concerns, longtime Arlington local David Fowler insists the neighborhood retains its safety, remarking to Action News Jax, "It’s a little rough sometimes but what can you expect at five in the morning? You shouldn’t be out that late anyway. This type of crime doesn’t happen too often here, or at least I haven’t seen it." JSO's inquiry is ongoing, as they review area surveillance footage and continue interviewing witnesses. Individuals with information are urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
