JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has released details and graphic video footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Norfolk Boulevard on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, which resulted in the death of 20-year-old Jamari Akins.
(Viewer discretion is advised: the videos are graphic)
According to JSO’s preliminary briefing, at 8:10 a.m. on the day of the shooting, Akins entered a business on Soutel Drive near Norfolk Boulevard. He was wearing a mask to conceal his face and used his clothing to conceal a gun. Minutes after entering the store, Akins allegedly pulled out his handgun and threatened to shoot the cashier if she did not hand over money. The cashier gave Akins approximately $100 in cash, but not before she managed to call for emergency help.
As Akins fled the business, Officer Mercado and Officer Swinton arrived on the scene. Both officers observed Akins, who matched the cashier’s description of the armed robber, running along Norfolk Boulevard. Officer Mercado pursued Akins, first in his marked patrol car and then on foot.
While running from the officer, Akins reportedly reached into his pockets, discarding loose cash. Officer Mercado then tackled Akins to the ground. While on the ground, Akins rolled his body to the side, pulled out his handgun, and shot Officer Mercado in the thigh. Officer Mercado returned fire, striking Akins twice. The officer immediately called for help and began administering medical aid to his gunshot wound.
Assisting officers and paramedics arrived quickly to transport both Officer Mercado and Akins to the hospital. Akins was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The State Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the incident to assess the legality of the officer’s actions. Following that, JSO will conduct an internal review to ensure the officer acted within policy. A Response to Resistance Board will then convene, and its findings will be submitted to the Sheriff for final review. JSO stated that this information is being released in the interest of transparency, and conclusions on the incident remain pending.
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