The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has released details of an officer-involved shooting that took place on Normandy Boulevard on May 4, which led to the death of 40-year-old Michael Lee Wright. The briefing included video evidence and an account of the events that escalated to the fatal encounter. According to the social media post by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the information provided is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation progresses.
Officers had previously interacted with Wright on April 28, when they responded to his mobile home due to a reported narcotics overdose-induced seizure. Wright became aggressive towards both paramedics and hospital staff following this incident, necessitating physical restraints and sedation. Wright's erratic and combative behavior continued in the days following, leading to his girlfriend's decision not to stay at their shared trailer on May 3.
The situation escalated the next day when Wright's girlfriend returned to the trailer to collect her belongings. Wright reportedly became hostile, throwing objects at her and her vehicle, prompting her to leave and later request police assistance to safely retrieve her items. Officer P. Burke of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to the call for assistance. Upon Officer Burke's arrival at the scene, Wright armed himself with scissors, leaped onto the hood of the patrol SUV, and made threats while banging on the vehicle.
In an attempt to neutralize the imminent threat, Officer Burke reversed the patrol car and then drove forward, which led to Wright being struck. Wright then removed the eyeglasses from his face, holding them as he charged towards the officer after he exited the vehicle. Despite Officer Burke's orders to "put it down," Wright continued his approach, resulting in Officer Burke discharging his service weapon and hitting Wright. Wright was later pronounced dead at the hospital, and the scissors he had been wielding were discovered underneath the patrol car.
The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by the State Attorney’s Office, which will assess the legality of Officer Burke's actions. Following this external review, an internal look by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will determine if the officer's actions were within policy, and a Response to Resistance Board will convene to review the findings further.
