JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released details and video from an October 11, 2026, officer-involved shooting that left a 34-year-old woman dead after police say she pulled a handgun from her bag and fired at officers, striking a patrol vehicle.
The woman, identified as Chau Duncan, 34, was shot by three Jacksonville police officers during the confrontation on Mar Vic Lane.
According to JSO, Duncan would have faced four counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer had she survived.
Footage Released
Police Received Multiple Reports of Armed Woman
The confrontation followed a series of calls to police about a woman reportedly threatening people with a firearm.
On October 10, JSO’s emergency communications center received a call about a woman wearing a purple jumpsuit who was waving a gun in the air.
Officers searched the area but were unable to locate her.
Approximately one hour later, another caller reported that a woman dressed in purple had pointed a gun at a man in the same area. Officers responded again but did not find the woman.
The following day, October 11, police received a third report involving a woman wearing a purple sweatsuit who had reportedly pointed a firearm at a man.
Officers E. Cobian and J. Curtis responded and located Duncan, who police said was yelling and throwing objects.
According to JSO’s preliminary investigation, the officers repeatedly ordered Duncan to stop walking away, show her hands and stop reaching into her bag.
Police said she did not comply.
Woman Fires at Patrol Car Before Officers Open Fire
Believing Duncan might be armed, officers developed a plan to approach her using a patrol vehicle.
Officer Cobian slowly drove the patrol car toward Duncan while Officers Curtis and J. Boykin walked behind the vehicle.
As Duncan reached an intersection, police say she pulled a handgun from her bag, pointed it toward the officers and fired.
The bullet struck the driver’s side door of the patrol car.
Officers Curtis, Boykin and B. Herrin then fired their weapons, striking Duncan.
She fell to the ground and dropped the handgun, according to JSO.
Officers handcuffed Duncan, and paramedics provided emergency medical treatment. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
State Attorney’s Office to Review Fatal Shooting
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released video of the confrontation as part of its account of the shooting. The department emphasized that its findings remain preliminary.
The State Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review to determine whether the officers’ use of deadly force was legally justified.
After that review, JSO will conduct its own internal investigation to determine whether the officers followed department policies.
Neither review has reached a final conclusion.