JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer was injured and an armed suspect was killed during a shootout following a traffic stop, the sheriff’s office said.
The incident unfolded around 9 a.m. on March 12 near Trout River Boulevard and Ribault Scenic Highway when Officer A.C. Gaulding initiated a traffic stop as part of a traffic operation. As the vehicle came to a halt, the driver opened his door, prompting Gaulding to issue commands for him to stay inside, according to the sheriff’s office.
Instead of complying, the suspect immediately opened fire, striking Gaulding in the foot. Gaulding returned fire and bullets also hit his patrol vehicle, the sheriff’s office said. Additional officers arrived on scene and were able to secure the suspect, providing first aid before he was transported to the hospital where he later died.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect was wearing a ballistic vest at the time of the shooting and had a second firearm inside the car. His identity has not been released.
“I think it’s very important to stress this guy had a bulletproof vest. This guy had a drum magazine inside that rifle, he had bad intentions. He had another pistol on the seat of his car, so, I don’t know what he was going to do, I don’t know what his plans were, but apparently, and thankfully, our officer was able to stop him and stop him from doing something to someone else,” Sheriff T.K. Waters said.
The sheriff’s office confirmed this was the city’s fourth officer-involved shooting this year. The State Attorney’s Office is conducting an investigation into the incident, after which the sheriff’s office will conduct its own internal review.
Gaulding, who was treated for his injury, is expected to recover. Officials have not yet released further details on the suspect’s background or what may have led to the traffic stop.
