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In a tragic turn of events on April 22, a series of violent incidents shook Jacksonville, culminating in a fatal shooting on Julington Creek Road. Earlier that day, a double shooting on the city’s Westside had already claimed the life of a woman, adding to the community’s grief.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has now provided further details on an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Mandarin area, adding another layer to the day’s distressing narrative.
Authorities were initially summoned to the 8200 block of Susie Street in the early morning hours, around 5:30 a.m., responding to reports of gunfire in this typically quiet residential neighborhood. Upon their arrival, officers discovered two adults who had been shot and were in urgent need of medical attention.
Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital, where the woman succumbed to her injuries. The other victim remained in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the incident and the urgent need for answers.
This story continues below.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives identified 53-year-old Robert Phillips as a person of interest, linking him to the crime. Phillips was already wanted on a theft charge, adding complexity to the unfolding situation as authorities continue to piece together the events of that harrowing day.
At around 1:20 p.m., JSO says that Phillips’ vehicle was found outside of a residence around the 5100 block of Julington Creek Road. Phillips left the house hours later and entered the vehicle, after which JSO says that a “planned tactical vehicle block” was executed.
While inside his vehicle at around approximately two hours later, JSO states that Phillips “armed himself with a handgun and fired two shots” at deputies before they returned fire. Phillips died on the scene.
Had he survived the shooting, JSO says that Phillips would have been arrested for theft, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, murder and attempted murder.
According to JSO, Phillips had a criminal history consisting of domestic battery, battery, resisting a law enforcement officer, drug and drug paraphernalia possession, criminal mischief and solicitation of a prostitute.Â
JSO states that the State Attorney’s Office will review the incident to determine the legality of the shooting, while the sheriff’s office conducts an internal review.
You can watch the body-worn camera footage here.