JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville gang member was arrested Friday afternoon after he allegedly pulled a machine gun pistol on SWAT members during a drug sting on the Northside.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, an investigation into an apartment in the 11200 block of Harts Road culminated Friday around 2 p.m. when SWAT members descended on what they believed to be a gang-affiliated drug dealing operation.
"Drugs and gangs go together, as well as drugs and gangs and violence all go together, " said Tom Hackney, JSO's Director of Investigations and Homeland Security. "This is the nexus of all three of those things here today," he said.
When one of the suspects came out of the apartment and got into his car, three officers surrounded him. The man quickly realized what was happening and allegedly reached for a machine gun pistol tucked in his waistband, JSO says.
"You should know better than to pull a gun on a police officer," said Hackney.
Neither the suspect nor the SWAT members were injured and the suspect was detained and arrested. The suspect now faces three counts of attempted murder against a law enforcement official.The officers tried to grab the gun once they realized what it was. During the struggle, one shot was fired into the ground, JSO says.
Inside the apartment, investigators say they found pounds of marijuana and cocaine, scales and guns.
Another suspect found in the apartment was arrested. That suspect faces gun and drug charges.
JSO says the two men are connected to the "1000 Block Gang," a gang that is found in neighborhoods all over Jacksonville.
The suspects' identities have yet to be released.
JSO Chief Tom Hackney said the officers were lucky to avoid injury.
Brandon Thomas has lived in the complex for years. He has an 8-month old son.
"You automatically get on your guard," he said. "The first thing you want to do is protect your child, protect your home, protect your family," he said.
