JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Five men and one woman were wounded in a drive-by shooting Sunday on A. Philip Randolph Boulevard and Pippin Street -- about a half-mile away from TIAA Bank Field, police said.
Five of the victims were found wounded at the scene near a laundromat, and another victim arrived at the hospital on their own, according to police. Jacksonville police said the victims range in age from 20 to 70 years old.
Police believe the shooter opened fire from the passenger side of a vehicle about 12:25 p.m.and there could be more than one shooter.
JSO Director of Investigations and Homeland Security Ron Lendvay said police believe the suspects were driving a silver or gray four-door sedan, possibly a Nissan Altima or Maxima.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
I was briefed by @JSOPIO earlier today when this incident happened & updated by Fire Chief on the victims. Briefings continue with the Sheriff as they investigate. Join me in praying for victims fighting to live. https://t.co/QH4KO7hngn
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) October 21, 2018
At last check, three of the six adults shot were in critical condition.
Jaguars fans leaving the game who were parked within the area near the crime scene were escorted to their vehicles by officers. A few fans heard the shots before the game.
"We had just parked our cars, and we walked it not even a good block. My son in law and my daughter went to the car to take my grandson’s bag. Right as they rejoined ya, we heard the shots. We didn’t know if we should fall to the ground. We didn’t know what to do," Vanessa Holmes said.
Witnesses at the scene said they heard the gunfire near the front of a laundromat on A. Philip Randolph.
"We were over there talking and suddenly, it was like 10 gunshots. We ran and went for cover and then I saw the police, and people were crowding down there," Yvonne Lee said.
Another witness said that a man was shot in the head and a woman was shot in the hip.
Many said they saw people running out of the coin laundry business when the shots were fired.
The area of town where the shooting happened is known for criminal activity. Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney, who represents the district, said he is aware of crime in the area.
"In talking to the sheriff's department, they are going to beef up patrol. Evidently, it's not working. We have a crime issue," Gaffney said. "Every other week and every other month out there, it's too much. I got several calls."