The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the State Attorney’s Office, is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting incident that transpired on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in the vicinity of the 1600 block of Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville, FL.
In line with Sheriff T. K. Waters’ commitment to transparency, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has issued a Critical Incident Briefing concerning the incident. It’s emphasized that investigations of this nature entail extensive interviews with witnesses, scrutiny of video footage, and analysis of forensic evidence. Consequently, these inquiries often span over a year, and the ongoing investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office refrains from drawing conclusions regarding the appropriateness of the officers’ actions until all facts are uncovered and the investigation concludes. The shooting resulted in the injury of 49-year-old Jimmy Lamar Riggs, whose criminal record includes multiple felony arrests and three mental health evaluations under the Baker Act. Riggs faces charges of two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer due to his actions preceding the incident.
On March 30, 2024, at 2:16 pm, JSO patrol officers responded to reports of erratic behavior by a white male armed with a large knife, later identified as Riggs, in the 1800 block of Bertha Street. Officers Veale and Easterly were directed by a concerned citizen to the southeast corner of Atlantic Blvd and Belote Place, where Riggs was spotted holding the knife above his head. Despite verbal commands to drop the weapon, Riggs advanced towards the officers. At 2:37 pm, Officer Veale discharged his firearm while Officer Easterly deployed a taser. Riggs was subdued, sustaining gunshot and self-inflicted stab wounds. He was subsequently hospitalized in critical condition.
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