Current:Home > News3 separate shootings mar St. Patrick's Day festivities in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. -Bright Future Finance
3 separate shootings mar St. Patrick's Day festivities in Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
View
Date:2025-04-27 22:29:55
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! (223)
Related
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- A third of schools don't have a nurse. Here's why that's a problem.
- 'Hell on earth': Israel unrest spotlights dire conditions in Gaza
- In Poland, church and state draw nearer, and some Catholic faithful rebel
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Cowboys star Micah Parsons not convinced 49ers 'are at a higher level than us'
- Kenya court temporarily bars security forces deployment to Haiti for two weeks
- What causes muscle twitching? And here's when you should worry.
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- UN airs concerns for civilians as Israel steps up military response in Gaza to deadly Hamas attacks
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Lions' Emmanuel Moseley tears right ACL in first game back from left ACL tear, per report
- Extremely rare Jurassic fossils discovered near Lake Powell in Utah: Right place at the right time
- Major airlines halt flights to Israel after Hamas attack
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Powerball jackpot grows to $1.55 billion for Monday; cash option worth $679.8 million
- Savannah Chrisley Details Taking on Guardianship of Her Siblings at Age 26
- Deal struck on contentious road in divided Cyprus that triggered an assault against UN peacekeepers
Recommendation
A steeplechase record at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then a proposal. (He said yes.)
Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Spotted Spending Time Together in NYC
Cory Booker able to safely depart Israel after surprise Hamas attack in Gaza
Pakistan ‘extremely disappointed’ over Cricket World Cup visa delay by India for media and fans
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Proof Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky Breakup Rumors Were a Perfect Illusion
Ads getting a little too targeted? Here's how to stop retailers from tracking your data
Drake calls out 'weirdos' discussing Millie Bobby Brown friendship in 'For All the Dogs'