JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man was found shot to death inside of Jacksonville's Bruce Park in the city's Arlington area early Wednesday morning, the sheriff's office told First Coast News.
JSO Sergeant Rudlaff said patrol officers responded to the park at approximately 2 a.m., as the man who was killed was between 20-30 years old.
"There were several individuals that were hanging out inside the park when they (officers) came here," Rudlaff said. "It is known for homeless individuals to stay out here at night. At this point, an individual who lives across the street in an apartment complex, was outside. They thought they heard a possible gunshot, they looked over in the park and saw an individual laying on the ground, so they made the call to JSO."
Rudlaff said the man was found in "pavilion No. 2." of the park and because he was wearing "thick clothing," police were unable to determine where he was shot.
The sergeant further stated that three people were detained shortly after the shooting occurred, but it was determined that "none of them had any involvement in the situation." As of now, there is no description of a suspect or suspects.
"At this time, we do not know the circumstances of the incident, [so] because of this, the classification [of it] is pending," Rudlaff said.
JSO said it is actively investigating the incident, as anyone with information on it is encouraged to call the sheriff's office non-emergency number at 904-630-0500, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.