JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released details and video from a Jacksonville officer-involved shooting that occurred May 4 on Rigel Road and resulted in the death of 33-year-old Brandon Kaphers.
According to investigators, Kaphers had a criminal history that included charges involving aggravated assault with a weapon and false imprisonment of a minor.
Authorities said that had Kaphers survived, he would have faced charges including:
- Armed Burglary with a Firearm
- Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
- Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
JSO said the incident began late the night of May 4 when Kaphers allegedly kicked in the front door of a townhome on Rigel Road while armed with a firearm. The homeowner called 911 to report the armed burglary.
Minutes later, investigators said Kaphers forced his way into a second townhome, went upstairs, and pointed a gun at a resident inside a bedroom. That victim also called 911.
Authorities said Kaphers then kicked in the doors of two additional townhomes on the same street before officers arrived.
Multiple officers responded to the area and gathered near their patrol vehicles while searching for the suspect.
According to JSO, Kaphers then appeared between two parked vehicles and began walking toward officers while pointing a firearm at them.
Investigators said officers repeatedly ordered Kaphers to drop the weapon, but he refused to comply and pointed the gun at officers twice.
Officers Comayagua, Vazquez, Palliant, and Schmidt then fired their weapons.
Kaphers fell to the ground and dropped the firearm, according to investigators.
Officers took him into custody and rendered emergency medical aid before he was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
The State Attorney’s Office will independently review the shooting to determine whether the officers’ actions were lawful.
JSO officials said the sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal review to determine whether department policies were followed.