Oceanway Foot Chase Concludes with Tragic Officer-Involved Shooting Under Investigation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Authorities are delving into the circumstances surrounding a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred late Tuesday night in Jacksonville’s Oceanway neighborhood.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that the incident began just before 11:15 p.m. when officers in an unmarked vehicle identified 52-year-old Wayne Jones driving what they believed to be a stolen car. A pursuit ensued through a neighborhood adjacent to Kaleel Road.

During the pursuit, officers reportedly used a stun gun. At that moment, police claim Jones brandished a firearm, prompting officers to respond with lethal force, resulting in his death.

Residents along Kaleel Road describe the eruption of gunfire as a jarring and unsettling experience.

“All we heard were gunshots going off,” said Leane Millington, neighbor and friend of Jones. “Didn’t hear no sirens, no nothing. It was crazy.” 

Millington, who lives next door, said she had known Jones for about a year. She said he had recently been rebuilding relationships with his family.

“He did 10 years in prison, he was just getting close with his daughter and granddaughter,” Millington told First Coast News.

Crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson says in the cases of stolen vehicles, officers often run a license plate before attempting a stop.

“In this case, that tag did not match [the vehicle]; the car was what gave them probable cause,” Jefferson said.

Jefferson says in high-risk situations like this, officers may conduct what is known as a “felony takedown,” a tactic used when a suspect is believed to be dangerous.

“Typically, if someone has stolen a car and they get lit up by police lights, they’re gonna run. If you’re going to get into a vehicle pursuit or a foot pursuit, the officers will try non-force initially with a taser. Once they saw the weapon, they had to use force,” said Jefferson.

The State Attorney’s Office is now reviewing the shooting.