By Joanna Putman
Police1
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has provided video footage of an officer-involved shooting of a man who stabbed a construction worker and charged at an officer while raising a knife, according to a news release.
The Nov. 19 incident began when Sergeant R. Hoover, who was working off-duty at a Northside construction site, was informed by a supervisor that a crew member had been stabbed, according to the release. Hoover pursued the suspect in her vehicle while calling for backup. Sergeant T. Robinson joined the pursuit as the suspect led the officers on a brief chase before pulling over and exiting his vehicle.
Officers repeatedly gave verbal commands for the suspect to drop his weapon, but he refused to comply, video shows. Robinson deployed his TASER, but it had no effect.
“Put your hands out! Put your hands -- Oh (expletive),” Hoover said.
“Oh! He has... he has a knife!” Robinson said.
The suspect ran toward Hoover with the knife in his hand, prompting both officers to open fire. The suspect fell to the ground, and officers provided medical aid until paramedics arrived.
The suspect faces charges of attempted murder, attempted murder on a law enforcement officer and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, according to the release.
The State Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the incident to determine whether the officers’ actions were legally justified. Following that investigation, JSO will perform an internal review, including a Response to Resistance Board evaluation, with the findings submitted to the sheriff for final review, according to the release.
