JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released details and video from an August officer-involved shooting that left a 45-year-old man dead after police say he fired at a sergeant outside a police stop station.
Christopher Ford was killed in the Aug. 18 shooting on West Beaver Street. JSO said Ford would have been arrested on a charge of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer had he survived.
The confrontation began around 3:30 p.m. as Sgt. Ray was sitting inside a marked patrol vehicle in the parking lot of a JSO stop station off West Beaver Street.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Ford approached the patrol car, prompting Ray to get out. The two briefly spoke before Ford pulled out a gun and held it at his side.
Ray then drew his department-issued firearm and pointed it at Ford.
Police said Ford began walking backward before raising his gun toward the sergeant and firing a shot.
The bullet missed Ray but struck a nearby building.
Ray returned fire, striking Ford. Ford fell to the ground and dropped his gun, according to JSO.
Other officers who were inside the stop station heard the gunfire and rushed outside. After Ford was handcuffed, officers began providing emergency medical aid.
Ford was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ray was not struck by the gunfire.
The State Attorney’s Office will independently review the shooting to determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force was legally justified. JSO will conduct a separate internal review to determine whether Ray’s actions complied with department policies.
Both reviews remain pending.