JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Shots rang out at a Westside Jacksonville gas station on Collins Road early morning Thursday, sending a clerk to the hospital at a Gate gas station while police are still searching for a suspect.
People who live in the area said this shooting is part of a disturbing trend of what they say is an increase in crime. Both Gate and JSO said the gas station employee has non life-threatening injuries, but that didn’t add much comfort to residents who spoke with First Coast News.
Before dawn, the Gate gas station on Collins Road was the scene of an investigation as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office searched for evidence after an attempted robbery around 3 a.m.
“As the employees are placing money into a bag the suspect fired several shots in their direction, striking one of the employees in the arm several times,” said Sgt. Richardson of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Thursday morning, Misty Skipper, GATE Vice President of Marketing and Communications released the following statement related to the shooting:
“Every member of the GATE team is considered family and we are deeply saddened that one of our family members was a victim of a senseless crime early this morning. As our employee continues to receive medical care, we are in prayer for him and his loved ones, praying for a full recovery. In addition, we are working closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to assist in identifying the person responsible and bringing them to justice.”
The gas station was closed for nearly nine hours while JSO investigated and a company was brought in to clean up the crime scene. This shooting and attempted robbery was the latest in a string of crimes throughout this part of Jacksonville.
According to JSO crime mapping data, there have been 27 reported crimes within a 2-mile radius of this Gate gas station just within the past week. Four of the cases were assault or battery, eight of them were reports of stolen vehicles.
“I thought it was a good area and stuff,” said Jenna Steward, who said she moved to the area from near Soutel Drive two months ago to get away from violence in her previous neighborhood.
“It’s surprising and very disappointing,” said Steward, “I’m not going to lie, I’m confused at this point of where I should move to.”
Iesha Ramirez lives nearby on Collins Road and said she’s noticed an uptick in crime over the past six months.
“It’s gotten bad, to the point that I pick my kids up from the front of the bus stop,” said Ramirez, “I no longer let them walk alone.”
JSO said that they have limited information at this point and are looking for a man who was wearing a burgundy hoodie who fled after the shooting. They said the security cameras didn’t get a good look at the suspect’s face. If you happen to have any information about the shooting you’re asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.