JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A spokesperson for Amazon said the company is adding security and counseling for employees at its warehouse on Pecan Park Road after a deadly shooting Monday.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a man in his 20s was fatally shot outside the Amazon Fulfillment Center on the city’s Northside. Police said the man was shot several times while he was waiting in line to apply for a job. Two bystanders were injured, but were expected to recover.
The Sheriff’s Office is now searching for three people who police said they believe were involved. They’re also looking for a silver four-door car (pictured below).
This is a photo of the suspect vehicle referenced by Assistant Chief Kee. If you have information regarding this vehicle or its occupants, call JSO at 904-630-0500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/vZJdlrorIr
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) June 29, 2020
The Sheriff’s Office said two men got out of the silver car, ran up to the victim, started shooting and ran back to the silver car, where the driver was waiting. Police said the car then took off.
News4Jax crime and safety analyst Ken Jefferson said once the suspect car is found, it could help them narrow down a suspect.
“Forensically, they’re going to examine that car to get whatever they can off of it -- latent prints, evidence left inside of the vehicle, maybe shell casings, whatever,” Jefferson said.
From there, Jefferson said, investigators will look into the car’s background and who had access to it.
Above all, Jefferson said, the fact that the shooting happened in broad daylight just feet away from several people waiting in line speaks to the audacity of the shooters.
“It shows you how reckless and ruthless people are where they would come to a large place of business like this with people on the outside, innocent bystanders on the outside,” he said.
After the shooting happened Monday afternoon, the company put the campus on lockdown and no one was allowed to leave for hours. It prevented family members and friends from picking up their loved ones who were known to be at the warehouse at the time of the shooting.
A spokesperson for Amazon issued a statement.
“This is a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and all those who have been impacted by this incident. We are working closely with the Sheriff as they investigate.”
Employees returned to work Tuesday morning. A woman, who asked not to be identified, told News4Jax she tried to apply for a job at the Amazon Fulfillment Center on the Northside on Tuesday but was asked to try again on a different day.
“I was kind of skeptical about coming,” she said. “Other peoples’ lives were in danger being that a shooting was going on in a place where you work.”
The Sheriff’s Office is asking for help locating the suspects. Anyone with information can contact JSO at 904-630-0500. To remain anonymous, contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
