Jacksonville police officer shot in gunfight responding to robbery. What we know
Here's what we know.
Where was the police shooting today in Jacksonville?
The incident unfolded around 8 a.m. July 9 on Soutel Drive near Norfolk Boulevard.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the suspect opened fire, striking the officer in the leg. The officer returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene.
Was a Jacksonville police officer shot today?
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, a 20-year-old man wearing a mask entered a store, demanded money, and fled after receiving cash.
Responding officers spotted a man matching the suspect's description running from the scene. Officer Luis Mercado, a four-year veteran, ran after the suspect after exiting his cruiser.
When Officer Mercado caught up to the man to detain him, the suspect opened fire twice, striking the officer once in the leg. The officer returned fire, critically wounding the suspect at the scene.
Despite his injuries, the officer managed to apply a tourniquet to his leg and is reported to be in stable condition, JSO said.
Who was killed today in a Jacksonville police shooting?
The suspect later died at the hospital from his injuries, and his firearm was recovered at the scene.
When asked how many shots Mercado fired at the suspect, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said, 'he fired enough to get the job done.' He added, 'We don't have to worry about that guy anymore. And it may sound cold, it may sound crass, but if a person will shoot at a policeman for doing his job after he just committed armed robbery, he'll shoot at anyone."
The suspect's name has not been released pending family notification. Police say he had been released from jail in May 2024.
How many shootings in Jacksonville in 2025?
It marks the Sheriff's Office's 10th police shooting this year. Six have been fatal. Last year had a total of eight, with three being fatal, according to Florida Times-Union records.
Law enforcement quickly secured the area, closing off sections of Soutel Drive and Norfolk Boulevard as the investigation continues. Residents are urged to avoid the area while authorities process the scene.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville police officer shot after robbery today
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