JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The man who hit a Jacksonville police officer during a fatal hit-and-run crash has been arrested for driving under the influence.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, police responded to the 5700 block of New Kings Road Saturday at 12:33 a.m., where a man had been hit by a vehicle. When the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department arrived on the scene, they pronounced the man dead.
While officers were investigating the crash, one JSO officer was hit by a vehicle after the driver entered a closed section of the road.
The officer has been identified as Detective Ernest Wilson, a 20 year veteran of JSO.
Wilson was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. JSO says Wilson's condition continues to improve and his health status has been upgraded by doctors. Wilson is now alert, responsive and is in great spirits, according to JSO.
Sheriff Mike Williams stated “We stand with his family in sending him strength in this fight and pray for a full recovery from these injuries. We are grateful for the community’s support as we await further reports on his progress”.
Anyone with information on either crash should call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org. You may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
-- Original Story
One man is dead and a Jacksonville police officer is in critical condition after being hit by two different vehicles early Saturday morning in the Magnolia Gardens area of Jacksonville.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, police responded to the 5700 block of New Kings Road at 12:33 a.m., where a man had been hit by a vehicle. When the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department arrived on the scene, they pronounced the man dead.
JSO said the victim is a Black man in his 30s.
The crash that caused the man's death is being considered a hit-and-run.
The sheriff's office blocked the road for the subsequent investigation. During the investigation, a vehicle hit one of the officers, who was standing outside his patrol car on the scene.
First responders rushed the officer to the hospital, where he is in critical condition.
Traffic Homicide detectives are investigating both crashes.
Anyone with information on either crash should call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org. You may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.