JACKSONVILLE, FL (July 16, 2025) – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has released a detailed account of a fatal officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 26-year-old Amir Bradsher, a North Carolina resident visiting family in Jacksonville. The incident occurred just after midnight on July 16 in the 11700 block of Brahma Bull Circle West.
Background:
In the days leading up to the shooting, Bradsher’s parents and a local North Carolina law enforcement agency reported that he was showing signs of rapid mental health deterioration, including paranoia, irrational thinking, and bizarre behavior. Bradsher had traveled to Jacksonville to stay with a relative, but his behavior worsened during the visit.
On the evening of July 15, the relative called 911 twice, reporting that Bradsher was experiencing a mental health crisis and had locked himself in a room with young children. The caller feared for everyone’s safety inside the home.
Initial Response:
Officer Robinson arrived first and heard a woman screaming inside the house. Officer Richardson then arrived, and the two officers entered the residence. Upon reaching the locked room, they forced the door open and found Bradsher on his back, screaming unintelligibly while physically restraining a woman who was clutching two small children to her chest.
The officers commanded Bradsher to release the woman. When he did not comply, a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW)—commonly known as a Taser—was deployed. This caused Bradsher to loosen his grip momentarily, allowing officers to begin removing the woman and children. However, Bradsher again attempted to grab the woman, prompting a second CEW deployment.
Once the woman and children were removed from the room, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation for 30 minutes, trying to persuade Bradsher to remain calm and surrender. He eventually crawled out of the room, but when officers tried to place him in custody, Bradsher ripped out the Taser probes and launched himself at the officers.
Use of Deadly Force:
As Bradsher became combative and physically charged at the officers, three officers—Sergeant Taylor, Officer Robinson, and Officer Richardson—discharged their firearms, striking Bradsher. Rescue crews staged outside the home entered immediately and began emergency life-saving efforts.
Bradsher was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Body Camera Footage & Legal Action:
JSO has confirmed that body-worn camera footage captured the incident, but due to Florida Statute 119, which protects video taken inside private residences, the footage is considered confidential. The resident of the home, who legally holds that right, has refused to waive the privacy exemption.
JSO has filed legal action seeking a court ruling to allow release of the video, citing public interest and transparency.
Next Steps:
- The State Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent legal review of the officers’ use of deadly force.
- JSO will conduct an internal policy review, followed by a Response to Resistance Board hearing.
- The Sheriff will make a final determination on whether department policies were followed.
JSO emphasized that conclusions about the officers’ actions remain pending and that all information released is preliminary as the investigation continues.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact JSO or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.
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