In Jacksonville’s Oceanway area, a man suspected of driving a stolen vehicle was fatally shot by two Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers during a foot chase late Tuesday night. Undercover units had identified the individual driving a vehicle reported stolen, according to First Coast News.
Officials reported that the suspect had been spotted in the stolen vehicle two weeks earlier but had evaded capture. On Tuesday, around 11:15 p.m., he parked on Kaleel Road and fled on foot, prompting a pursuit. The officers involved, Sgt. M. Howell and Officer M. Higginbotham, stated that the shooting occurred after the suspect pulled out a handgun.
During the incident, Sgt. Howell reportedly attempted to subdue the suspect with a Taser twice, though it is unclear whether the attempts were effective, as per News4Jax. After the Taser attempts failed, the suspect allegedly drew a handgun, prompting the officers to fire multiple times, resulting in his death at the scene. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed that this marks the fourth officer-involved shooting in 2026.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has not released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. Both Sgt. Howell and Officer Higginbotham have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard protocol, while the State Attorney’s Office investigates the incident. Sheriff T.K. Waters emphasized the dangers police face when confronting armed suspects.
With a trend of officer-related shootings involving armed suspects, Sheriff Waters’ comments reflect a stern warning in response to what he described as a "dangerous world". The details of the chase and the sequence that led to the fatal shooting continue under review as part of the ongoing investigation.
