JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Donna Deegan confirmed Saturday that there are a “number of fatalities” in response to a shooting at a store that prompted heavy police presence on Kings Road in Northwest Jacksonville, according to News 6 partner WJXT.
News4JAX has received numerous calls and emails regarding police presence on Kings Road near Canal Street, not too far from Edwards University.
Deegan was spotted at the scene talking with officials and District 13 State Representative Angie Nixon, who represents the neighborhood.
It’s uncommon for a mayor to arrive at a scene unless it is an extremely high-profile case.
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When News4JAX spoke to Deegan, she confirmed that there were a number of fatalities and also said that a man was barricaded in a Dollar General on Kings Road.
“This is unacceptable,” Deegan said. “One shooting is too much but these mass shootings are really hard to take.”
Mayor Donna Deegan on the scene with JSO, JFRD (WJXT)Details are still scarce as to what exactly happened but JSO is expected to give an update soon.
A witness, who was moments from walking into the store, said the only thing that kept him from entering the Dollar General was when he realized he didn’t have any money on him, so he went to another store nearby.
Moments later, according to the witness, he heard gunshots ring out. He said the shooter was firing at cars.
The witness said he turned around a saw a woman running and another man fall back.
Nixon also called the situation “tragic” and said they were trying to calm the residents down and offer support.
“These are things that we want to try to avoid by making sure that our communities are fully resourced, making sure we’re creating a climate of love and not tension,” Nixon told News4JAX.
The community is severely impacted by this tragic shooting. Members and political leaders were seen gathering in the street for a prayer circle over the tragedy.
Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman said her heart is heavy.
“I’m tired of seeing all the shootings,” Pittman said through tears and fervent anger. “The people in this community are hurting.”
She also mentioned that the alleged shooter is dead, but that has not been confirmed.
Prayer circle forms after tragic shooting on Kings Road (WJXT)JSO had a helicopter searching the area, and a SWAT team was called to the scene.
The situation has been ongoing since around 1 p.m.
Scene picture (WJXT)Numerous Jacksonville Fire and Rescue were also responding to the scene.
Just before 4:15 p.m., some JSO officers and JFRD crews were seen leaving the area.
Officials have blocked the north and southbound lanes of King Street near the Canal Street intersection.
People are urged to avoid the area if possible.
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