JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 69-year-old man is dead after being shot by Jacksonville police officers on Saturday evening.

At around 6 p.m., officers responded to a crash with injuries at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and I-295. At a press conference, Jacksonville Police Chief Alan Parker said based on witness statements, a woman, who was driving a Camry alongside her two kids, was trying to turn northbound on I-295 when the man, who was in an SUV, drove through a red light and crashed into them.

The man reportedly gave her a thumbs up, got out of the car and started wandering around while “making statements.” According to Parker, the man said he was going to shoot himself, and he was armed with a gun.

After arriving at the scene, one of the officers tried talking to the man for about 20 minutes and negotiate with him, but officials say there was no response.

“When the officer was negotiating, he was saying, ‘We’re not here to hurt you.’ Because, we’re not. We’re here to try and get this settled as peacefully and safely as possible,” Sheriff T.K Waters said at the press conference.

Eventually, a bicyclist was traveling by the scene. According to Parker, the suspect turned towards the bicyclist.

“The officers had to engage him. He still had a gun in his hand,” Parker said at the press conference.

The officers then shot at him, according to Parker. First responders took him to the hospital, where he did not survive.

“Beach Boulevard is a very busy road. Once he got up and he was mobile, you can’t take the risk of him coming up to this hotel, walking into the street, walking across the street, because you have no idea what he’s going to do,” Waters said. “The officers made a decision, took care of the business that needed to be taken care of. Unfortunately, he lost his life, but we saved some others I’m sure.”

Parker confirmed that the woman and her two kids, ages seven and 10, were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The suspect, who authorities have not identified at this time, had five DUIs and his license was permanently revoked in 2024. Parker said the man had no mental health history.

Authorities say the officer that was negotiating with the man has been with JSO for 6 years, and this is his first officer-involved shooting. Another officer who was also involved in the shooting has been with JSO for five years.

Beach Boulevard was shut down following the incident but has since reopened in all directions.

An investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and needs help right away:

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach the suicide prevention lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.