Earlier in the day, around 7 a.m., witnesses saw the suspect near a business on Soutel Drive. Those witnesses told police that it appeared the individual was casing the business. At 8 a.m., the business opened; the suspect entered shortly after. A customer was shopping at the business when they heard the suspect tell the cashier “Give me the money, or I’ll shoot you.” The customer was able to call for police services and give a description of the suspect.

Officer Luis Mercado arrived on scene and noticed an individual who matched the suspect description leaving the area. The suspect led Officer Mercado on a foot chase. The officer told the suspect multiple times to stop and get on the ground. The officer caught up to the suspect and began handcuffing him while on the ground. That’s when the suspect rolled to his right, pulling out his gun and firing two shots. One shot hit Officer Mercado’s leg. The officer then returned fire striking the suspect.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) personnel transported the officer and the suspect to an area hospital. Officer Mercado is recovering from his injury. The suspect, Jamari Akins, a 20-year-old black male, did not survive.

The State Attorney’s Office is currently investigating this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) will conduct its own investigation.

To view the post regarding this incident on JSO's Facebook page, please click here.

To watch the video from the standup at the scene, please visit JSO's YouTube Channel or click here.

For video footage of Officer Mercado being released from the hospital, please see below or click here.
Information, as it becomes available regarding this Officer-Involved Shooting, will be posted on JSO's Transparency page at: https://opendata.jaxsheriff.org/OIS.