JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (Note: The video above is from a previous related report.)
The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot and killed a father of four in Jacksonville Beach is now $25,000, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department.
Jared Bridegan, 33, was shot and killed in front of his toddler in mid-February, in a wooded area near the exit of The Sanctuary neighborhood.
A few days after his death, First Coast Crime Stoppers announced a reward of $8,000 for information in the case, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms offering up an additional $5,000.
Now, the Crime Stoppers Reward has increased to $25,000.
"If you have any information on this crime we encourage you to call the Jacksonville Beach Police Department or First Coast Crime Stoppers," JBPD said in a news release announcing the increased reward.
Investigators want to hear from anyone who might have been traveling in the area of The Sanctuary neighborhood between 7:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. Even people who did not see anything are asked to call, police said, because reports of "seeing nothing" can help establish a timeline of events.
Police have been working with federal agencies including ATF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on the investigation.
You can reach the Jacksonville Beach Police Department at 904-270-1661. You can report information to ATF via email at Tampatips@atf.gov.
A vigil in Jared's honor will be held Tuesday, April 19 at Sunshine Park. Gathering will begin at 7:15 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:30 p.m.
"Join us as we gather in honor of Jared and pray for justice to be served," says the event flier.
