JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man was shot during an attempted robbery Saturday night near an ATM in Jacksonville’s Englewood neighborhood, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting was the first of five that happened within seven hours spanning from Saturday evening to Sunday morning.
JSO said officers responded around 10 p.m. to the shooting outside the Wells Fargo on Beach Boulevard near University Boulevard. Before those officers arrived, police were notified that a man suffering from a gunshot wound had been transported to a nearby hospital. The Sheriff’s Office said that man was being treated for life-threatening injuries.
The Sheriff’s Office said it believes the shooting stemmed from an attempted robbery. Police said they are searching for two individuals, but they did not immediately have descriptions for either.
During the incident, according to investigators, bullets also struck a nearby vehicle carrying two individuals. Neither was harmed, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with JSO’s Robbery Unit are leading a further investigation.
During a news briefing, the Sheriff’s Office said it would like to remind residents to be aware of their surroundings when visiting places, such as ATMs and gas stations, late at night.
News4Jax crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson said violence is an all too common conversation in Jacksonville.
“There’s nothing you can do when you’re cornered in an isolated area and someone pulls out a weapon and start shooting at you,” Jefferson said.
He suggests not to go to an ATM late at night, and if you have to, don’t go alone. He said to make sure it’s lit and stay alert.
“Scan the area to see if there’s anybody hanging out hanging around, anybody that looks suspicious,” Jefferson said. “If your gut instinct tells you not to stop, don’t stop. Always follow your gut instinct. It usually does not steer you wrong.”
Police are asking anyone who has information that could help investigators to call JSO at 904-630-0500. To remain anonymous, call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
While none of the five overnight shootings were deadly, Jacksonville has reached a grim milestone of 100 murders in 2020, according to News4Jax records. Jefferson said city leaders need to recognize the city has a violent crime issue and look at other comparable cities to see what has worked for them.