JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A man who tried to burglarize a Jacksonville Beach business is recovering after being shot by the business owner Monday morning, according to police.
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department said officers were called to 314 14th Ave. N. for a burglary in progress at around 2:30 a.m. When officers arrived, they discovered the owner of Atlantic Pro Divers had shot the suspect who ran away.
The Jacksonville Beach Police report states, a perimeter was set up and the suspect, identified as Daniel Ifeanvi Nwobi, was found “in the front yard of a residence… hidden behind lawn furniture.” Police immediately rendered medical attention, and according to the report, Nwobi was taken to Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds to his left shoulder and abdomen, the report states. It also states $1,500 worth of scuba equipment was recovered from Nwobi’s vehicle
Police said Nwobi has since been arrested and charged with burglary to a structure and criminal mischief.
“I was coming in to get ready to give my first golf lesson and the whole block was taped off," Don Sheen, who owns Caddyshack Golf next door, said.
He was shocked to find the crime scene tape and about a dozen bullet casings near his shop.
“We’ve never had an incident like this," Sheen explained.
He said he’s had minor smash and grabs when his store first opened 25 years ago, but it’s typically quiet on the 14th Avenue North strip off of A1A.
The dive shop, who did not want to comment, appeared to be getting ready to reopen after staying closed Monday. First Coast News saw what appeared to be the owners boarding up a window, which Sheen thought looked jimmied. He said county employees cut a palm tree in front of it for investigators.