Jacksonville Police Kill Armed Man Who Threatened 'Come Out Shooting'

Incident occurred at Gate gas station near Bowden Road and I-95

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Jacksonville police responded to a reported armed robbery at a Gate gas station on Tuesday morning. A middle-aged man had entered the store, demanded employees exit, and made comments about self-harm. When police arrived, the man told them he would 'come out shooting' before closing the door. As the man opened the door again and approached officers with a gun, an officer fired his rifle several times, killing the man.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges and risks police face when responding to armed suspects who threaten violence. The use of lethal force by police is a sensitive and controversial issue, and this case will likely prompt further scrutiny and debate around police tactics, de-escalation, and the appropriate use of deadly force.

The details

According to Jacksonville Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey, the incident began around 9:15 a.m. when the middle-aged man entered the Gate gas station, walked around, and waited until other customers left. He then pulled out a handgun and demanded the employees exit the store. As the employees left, the man stayed inside, watching the front door. He then opened the door and told the employees he'd 'come out shooting' before closing the door again. When police arrived, the man repeated that he would 'come out shooting.' As he opened the door again and approached the officers with the gun, an officer fired his rifle several times, killing the man who was approximately 40 yards away.

  • The incident began around 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Police were dispatched to the reported armed robbery around 9:22 a.m.

The players

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the incident.

Shawn Coarsey

The Jacksonville Undersheriff who provided details about the incident to the media.

T.K. Waters

The Jacksonville Sheriff who commented on the police's decision to use lethal force.

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What they’re saying

“We're not gonna let him fire his gun.”

— T.K. Waters, Jacksonville Sheriff

“He had the gun straight up at the officers and briskly approached them.”

— Shawn Coarsey, Jacksonville Undersheriff

What’s next

The State Attorney's Office is investigating this officer-involved shooting, which is the sixth for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in 2026.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the difficult and dangerous situations police face when responding to armed suspects who threaten violence. While the use of lethal force by police is highly scrutinized, this case highlights how officers may feel compelled to use deadly force to protect themselves and the public when confronted with an immediate threat.