JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 22-year-old man who was shot and killed when he pointed a replica handgun at a narcotics detective Monday night had an extensive arrest record, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday. A second man who was involved in the undercover drug buy that led to the shooting is now in jail charged with possession of cocaine, and could face more charges.
When Jerome Allen pointed the gun through the open passenger window of the undercover police car parked on West 5th Street just before 10 p.m., the detective fired seven shots, hitting Allen in the chest and arm, said Ron Lendvay, JSO director of investigations.
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Allen was taken to UF Health Jacksonville, where he died.
The officer, who was not injured, is on administrative review as the case is being reviewed.
Lendvay said three undercover narcotics detectives were conducting a drug operation in the lower Myrtle Street area. Ronnie Brown, 57, was assisting the officers buy $40 worth of powder cocaine and was out of the car when Allen came out of the shadows with what appeared to be a gun.
The gun turned out to be a replica.
“I think most folks that take a look at that would think that that's a real firearm," Lendvay said.
Brown is charged with possession of powder cocaine, but he could also face charges connected to Allen's death.
Jail records show Allen was arrested eight times over the last four years, most recently last October for petty theft.