The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has arrested four Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department employees in connection with a paintball incident involving a JSO patrol car and several civilian vehicles.
According to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred last month, when a patrol officer reported his vehicle was struck by paintballs near North Jefferson Street and West Duval Street. Additional civilian complaints were also reported in the area.
The investigation was conducted by JSO’s Integrity Unit, which traced green paint splatter found on roadways and city signs to a nearby fire station. Investigators recovered 14 red and green paintballs from the roof of the station and used paintball casings from the station’s driveway. Firefighters later stated the incident was part of an internal “prank war,” according to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Following the investigation, four firefighters were identified and arrested on Thursday. They are charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief. Those arrested are Engineer Landon T. Simmons, 30; Engineer Wesley P. Parker, 32; Engineer Tristen C. Harrison, 25; and Firefighter Colby B. Lesage, 23.
The four employees have been placed on administrative duty while the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department conducts its own internal investigation. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated the incident does not change its ongoing partnership with JFRD in providing public safety services to the community.
