JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (CBS12) — An armed robbery suspect was killed after he shot a law enforcement officer in the leg, prompting him to return fire.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), the officer-involved shooting occurred on Wednesday at 8 a.m. near Norfolk Boulevard at Soutel Drive in the Sherwood Forest area. Witnesses say they saw the suspect near the building scoping the scene before the business opened. The suspect entered shortly after.
Officers say that while a customer was shopping, they heard the suspect tell the cashier, “Give me the money, or I’ll shoot you.” The customer was able to call 911 and give a description of the suspect.
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JSO Officer Luis Mercado arrived at the scene, noticed the man who matched the description of the suspect and a foot chase ensued. Officer Mercado told the suspect multiple times to stop and get on the ground.
Officer Mercado was able to catch up with the suspect and began to handcuff him while on the ground. That’s when the suspect suddenly rolled over to his right, pulling out his gun and firing two shots.
One of the bullets hit the officer’s leg, which led the officer to discharge his firearm.
The suspect, identified as a 20-year-old man, did not survive.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released a video of Officer Mercado being released from the hospital.
“I’m so glad he’s able to go home to his family,” Sheriff Waters said outside the hospital. “That’s the biggest thing for me, and it’s so good to see his fellow officers come out to watch him as he leaves the hospital.”
The State Attorney’s Office and JSO are investigating the deadly shooting.
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