JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released new details and video footage related to the Jacksonville officer-involved shooting that left a suspect dead earlier this month.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on February 10, 2026, on Kaleel Road and resulted in the death of 52-year-old Michael Jones, a convicted felon.
Authorities said that had Jones survived, he would have faced multiple charges, including Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and Trespassing in a Conveyance.
Prior Attempt to Stop Stolen Vehicle
The investigation began on January 30, when task force officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle being driven by Jones. Police said Jones fled at that time, and officers chose not to pursue. Surveillance footage later confirmed Jones was driving the stolen vehicle and was armed with a firearm.
February 10 Encounter
On February 10, task force officers in a covert vehicle located Jones again driving the stolen vehicle and requested assistance from marked patrol units. Officers followed Jones until he parked in a driveway on Kaleel Road.
Police said Jones exited the vehicle and ran, prompting Sergeant Howell and Officer Higginbotham to pursue him on foot.
During the chase, Sergeant Howell deployed his Taser twice, but it appeared to have no effect. Investigators said Howell then observed Jones reaching for a firearm, prompting the sergeant to transition from his Taser to his department-issued handgun.
Howell fired, striking Jones. Officers continued giving commands for Jones to stop reaching for the weapon, but authorities say he did not comply. Both Howell and Higginbotham then fired additional shots.
Jones died at the scene.
Weapons Recovered
Crime scene detectives recovered two firearms:
- A Glock 43X located near Jones
- A Raven Arms MP-25 found in Jones’ back pocket
Ongoing Reviews
As is standard procedure, the State Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review to determine the legality of the officers’ actions. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will also complete an internal investigation to determine whether department policy was followed.
Officials emphasized the information released so far remains preliminary, and final conclusions are pending.
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