Jacksonville Police Fatally Shoot Man After Foot Chase Over Stolen Vehicle

Officers used Taser before firing multiple shots, leading to the suspect's death

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Two officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office fatally shot a man suspected of driving a stolen vehicle on Tuesday night after a pursuit on foot. The confrontation occurred on Kaleel Road after the man exited the stolen vehicle and ran away from police. Officers used a Taser on the man before he reportedly pulled out a handgun, leading the officers to fire multiple shots.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with stolen vehicles and armed suspects, as well as the potential for use of force escalations during foot pursuits. It also raises questions about police tactics, de-escalation protocols, and the circumstances that lead to fatal shootings by officers.

The details

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the sequence of events began around 11:15 p.m. when Patrol Task Force officers, operating in unmarked vehicles, tracked down the suspect inside a 'known stolen vehicle' near the intersection of 61st Street and Main Street. After following the vehicle to Kaleel Road, the man 'blacked out the stolen vehicle' and pulled into a driveway. He then exited the vehicle and ran away from the car, leading to a foot chase. Sergeant M. Howell reportedly deployed his Taser twice at the man, but it's unknown if the probes made contact. The man then allegedly pulled out a handgun, prompting Sergeant Howell and Officer M. Higginbotham to fire multiple shots, resulting in the man's death at the scene.

  • The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Two weeks earlier, the same individual had been spotted in the stolen vehicle and evaded officers while reportedly armed with a firearm.

The players

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for the incident and investigation.

Sergeant M. Howell

A Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officer who deployed a Taser during the pursuit.

Officer M. Higginbotham

A Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officer who fired multiple shots at the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work to de-escalate situations and avoid the use of lethal force whenever possible.”

— Mayor Lenny Curry, Mayor of Jacksonville (Jacksonville Times-Union)

What’s next

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is conducting an internal investigation into the incident, and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the complex and dangerous situations law enforcement officers often face, and the need for continued training and policy reviews to ensure the appropriate use of force and de-escalation techniques to protect both officers and the public.