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The man was injured but was “talking at the hospital” after the incident, police said. The officer was unharmed.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man was shot by a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office sergeant Tuesday after he attempted to accelerate his car toward the officer, police said.
A week ago, officers conducted a traffic stop on an individual they were “pretty familiar with up here,” Chief Alan Parker said. The man was identified as Michael Youmans, 29, who, according to JSO, has a 13-page criminal history. During the traffic stop, Youmans took off, Parker said.
Officers knew Youmans’ address and attempted to locate him on Tuesday. Two officers made contact with Youmans and followed him to the 14000 block of Gossett Street.
Parker said that at this point, a sergeant was able to make contact with Youmans and instructed him to get out of the car with his hands up and place them on the window. However, Youmans continued to back the vehicle up.
“The sergeant was giving him more commands: ‘Stop, stop, don’t do it. Don’t do it,'” Parker said.
At this point, Youmans put the car in drive and accelerated toward the sergeant, according to police. That was when the sergeant shot him “several times” with his pistol. Youmans then rolled the car to a stop and got out on his hands and knees, bleeding.
Officers continued to instruct Youmans to go down all the way. He did not comply and instead began asking bystanders for a cigarette.
He eventually complied, allowing police to render aid and transport him to the hospital.
Parker said he believes Youmans was struck in the face and shoulder but noted that he is stable and was “talking at the hospital.”
“He literally asked for a cigarette, multiple times,” Parker emphasized.
The sergeant involved in the shooting was identified as Sgt. Ben McEwan. JSO stated that McEwan, who has worked for the department for 11 years, had not previously been involved in an officer-involved shooting.
McEwan was unharmed but “just shaken up” due to the “very, very scary situation,” Parker said.