The Jacksonville Beach Police Department continues to investigate shootings that led to one person being killed and 3 others injured on Sunday night.
The shootings caused panic in the city’s downtown area as many people were out at the bars celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
Action News Jax will continue to follow this story with live updates below:
Update, 3/18/24, 9:30 a.m.: Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith gave the following updates on the investigation:
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Several hundred teens, about 250-400, gathered under the Jacksonville Beach Pier for planned fights, then the shootings happened.
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Police are investigating 3 separate, unrelated shootings.
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The initial shooting was near boardwalk & Best Western Hotel at around 7 p.m., and officers already in the area when it happened. Three people were shot and two people were shooting at each other. An innocent bystander was hit. The other two people are considered “victim-suspects.”
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The second shooting happened at around 8:13 p.m. in the parking lot outside the Ritz Bar. A suspect in a ski mask opened fire before dumping the pistol, which was recovered by police. No one was injured in this shooting.
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The third shooting happened at around 8:31 p.m. outside Sneakers Bar. There were 3 suspects and one person was killed. Police did not say if the person who died was a suspect or innocent bystander.
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One of the suspects in one of the shootings does have ties to a gang. Police have not made any arrests of the shooters at this time.
Update, 3/17/24, 10:54 p.m.: The City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department has lifted the shelter-in-place order as they continue to work the scene.
Update from Jacksonville Beach Police Department- at 10:54 p.m.: Officers are still working the scene but the shelter in place has been lifted. https://t.co/1S9dbpxK90
— JaxReady (@JaxReady) March 18, 2024
Original story from 3/17/24: The Jacksonville Beach Police Department has confirmed that it is responding to three people reportedly shot, and 1 killed in downtown Jax Beach, with several shooters on the loose.
JBPD made a post on its Facebook page that everyone to shelter in place at this time.
According to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, three individuals have been reported shot at the scene. Their conditions vary, with one reportedly deceased, one in serious condition, and the third sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
One was reportedly shot in the Sneakers parking lot and is currently in critical condition. Two others were reportedly shot at 2nd Ave. North.
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A media briefing will be held at 8:00 a.m. Monday, March 18 regarding the active shooter incident.
Action News Jax told you earlier this evening that a large police presence was observed in the Jacksonville Beach area near 2nd Ave N & 1st St N.
Eyewitnesses reported the presence of multiple ambulances and patrol cars near the scene.
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Action News Jax is on-site gathering information, including any potential injuries or arrests.
As this is an ongoing investigation, further details will be provided as they become available.
Anyone with any information that can assist police is asked to call 904-270-1661.
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