A late Sunday night run for fast food at the St. Johns Town Center McDonald’s turned into a drive‑thru nightmare when a man dressed in black opened fire on a car waiting in line on Jan. 18, leaving the driver wounded but alive. The group in the vehicle managed to get themselves to a hospital, and investigators say the shooter took off on foot. Detectives have now released surveillance stills and a case number as they ask the public to help put a name to the gunman.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, detectives posted the surveillance images and listed the case as CCR#2026-35693. The department described the suspect as a “man dressed in all black carrying a pistol” and said security cameras captured him as he first approached the victims’ vehicle.
What investigators say happened
Police say five men were waiting in a car in the drive‑thru line when they noticed someone standing in the bushes near the restaurant. Instead of placing an order, they drove off, circling the parking lot. As they came back around, the man stepped out and opened fire into the car, hitting the driver.
The driver did not wait for an ambulance, instead heading straight to the nearest hospital. Investigators told reporters that the victim survived, but officials have not released additional details about the person’s condition, as reported by News4JAX.
How to report tips
Investigators are urging anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the shooting to call 904-630-0500 or submit tips through the department’s unsolved‑crimes portal. First Coast Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-866-845-TIPS. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said tips submitted through these channels could make callers eligible for a cash reward and asked residents to closely review the released surveillance images.
This drive‑thru shooting was one of several fast‑food incidents reported that same weekend. Local coverage documented two shootings and an armed robbery across three quick‑service restaurants, a pattern that has investigators pulling video from multiple locations, according to News4JAX. Police say the Town Center case remains unsolved as detectives continue to collect tips and comb through surveillance footage.
