Current:Home > Contact3 separate shootings mar St. Patrick's Day festivities in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. -Wealth Legacy Solutions
3 separate shootings mar St. Patrick's Day festivities in Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
View
Date:2025-04-18 18:37:10
Police are searching for multiple suspects in three different shootings that left one person dead and at least three injured as thousands crowded in downtown Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Sunday night for St. Patrick's Day festivities.
The shootings occurred near the city's beachfront after police broke up a group of up to 400 people in their late teens who gathered under the pier Sunday afternoon.
"This group engaged in boxing matches, fights and other incidents. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department had to take action," Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith said at a new conference on Monday morning. "When the crowd dispersed, that's when the shooting happened."
Police responded to the first shooting at a Best Western hotel at around 7:50 p.m., Smith said. The shooting left three people injured – two were transported to the hospital afterwards, and another self-reported an injury. Authorities believe two of the victims fired at each other, while the third was an innocent bystander, Smith said.
Less than half an hour later, reports came in of a second shooting in a parking lot outside the Ritz, a cocktail bar. No one was injured or killed, and the shooter fled the scene in a black ski mask, Smith said. Officers found one firearm.
Police responded to the third shooting, which left one victim dead, at Sneakers Sports Grille at 8:31 p.m. Officers believe three suspects pulled out firearms, Smith said. The identity of the 21-year-old victim has not been released.
The shootings are believed to be unrelated, Smith said. The investigation remains ongoing, and the identities of the suspects have not been released.
"Quite frankly, I'm pissed off," Smith said. "I want you to come to Jacksonville Beach, I want you to live here, I want you to visit, but if you break the law, we're going to put you in jail."
Smith said officials do not know if any of the shootings were gang-related. The victim who self-reported their injury in the first shooting is a known gang member, he said.
Jacksonville police have asked people to contact authorities if they have information related to the incidents.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Bling Empire's Anna Shay Dead at 62 After Stroke
- Malaria confirmed in Florida mosquitoes after several human cases
- Semi-truck driver was actively using TikTok just before fiery Arizona car crash that killed 5, officials say
- Sam Taylor
- Spoil Your Dad With the Best Father's Day Gift Ideas Under $50 From Nordstrom Rack
- EPA Plans to Rewrite Clean Water Act Rules to Fast-Track Pipelines
- 2 Key U.S. Pipelines for Canadian Oil Run Into Trouble in the Midwest
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Virginia sheriff gave out deputy badges in exchange for cash bribes, feds say
Ranking
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Hunter Biden's former business partner was willing to go before a grand jury. He never got the chance.
- This $20 Amazon Top Is the Perfect Addition to Any Wardrobe, According to Reviewers
- You Might’ve Missed This Euphoria Star’s Cameo on The Idol Premiere
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Prince Harry Feared Being Ousted By Royals Over Damaging Rumor James Hewitt Is His Dad
- Does aspartame have health risks? Here's what studies have found about the sweetener as WHO raises safety questions.
- U.S. hostage envoy says call from Paul Whelan after Brittney Griner's release was one of the toughest he's ever had
Recommendation
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
A Renewable Energy Battle Is Brewing in Arizona, with Confusion as a Weapon
Fearing Toxic Fumes, an Oil Port City Takes Matters Into Its Own Hands
Prince Harry Testimony Bombshells: Princess Diana Hacked, Chelsy Davy Breakup and More
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
Prince Harry Feared Being Ousted By Royals Over Damaging Rumor James Hewitt Is His Dad
Go Hands-Free With 70% Off Deals on Coach Belt Bags
You Might’ve Missed This Euphoria Star’s Cameo on The Idol Premiere