Florida Sheriff's Office Releases Body Camera Video in Officer-Involved Shooting
What to Know
- Officers responded to a domestic dispute where Rodriguez was seen with a handgun.
- During a struggle, Rodriguez fired a shot, prompting officers to discharge their firearms.
- Rodriguez was transported to a hospital where he later died from a gunshot wound.
JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released preliminary details and video from a Jan. 5, officer-involved shooting on Egrets Nest Drive that resulted in the death of a 34-year-old man.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), officers responded after residents at an apartment complex reported a heated argument between Daniel Rodriguez and his wife. Witnesses told police they saw Rodriguez holding a handgun at his side.
Officers J. Roderick and J. Milam arrived and spoke with Rodriguez’s wife in the parking lot, where she confirmed the argument. While officers were speaking with her, Rodriguez emerged near the residence. The officers approached and asked whether he was armed.
JSO said Rodriguez lifted his shirt and removed a firearm from his waistband. Officers attempted to grab him and struggled for control of the weapon, identified as a .40-caliber handgun. During the struggle, Rodriguez fired one round from his firearm. Officers Roderick and Milam then discharged their JSO-issued firearms.
Backup officers arrived and removed the handgun from Rodriguez’s hand. Officers provided emergency medical aid until paramedics transported him to a hospital, where he later died. JSO said a second handgun was discovered on Rodriguez’s person at the hospital.
The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined Rodriguez sustained a contact gunshot wound under his jaw. The fatal projectile, a .40-caliber bullet, was recovered from his brain. JSO reported that both officers involved were issued 9mm handguns and ammunition.
According to JSO, had Rodriguez survived, he would have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm.
The State Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review to determine whether the officers’ actions were legally justified. JSO will then complete an internal review to assess compliance with agency policy. Both reviews remain pending.