Video: Shootout Erupts When Fla. Police Try to Arrest Murder Suspect
What to know
- A man suspected in a deadly shooting earlier the same day was fatally shot by Jacksonville sheriff's deputies during a planned tactical stop April 22.
- Authorities said the suspect fired a handgun at detectives from inside his vehicle as officers tried to arrest him, prompting deputies to return fire.
- The State Attorney’s Office will independently review the shooting, followed by an internal review by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
A man suspected in an earlier deadly shooting was fatally shot by Florida police officers during a planned tactical stop last month.
A 53‑year‑old man, identified as Robert Phillips, opened fire on detectives just before 3:30 p.m. April 22 as they tried to arrest him in connection with multiple violent crimes, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office stated in an online news release. Phillips was suspected in a shooting at around 5:30 a.m. that left one woman dead and a second victim seriously wounded.
Phillips’ vehicle was spotted parked outside a residence shortly before 1:30 p.m., and detectives conducted surveillance for several hours before he left the home and entered his car. Officers with the Community Problem Response Unit moved in to execute a planned vehicle containment at an intersection.
While seated inside the vehicle, Phillips pulled out a handgun and fired two shots toward detectives, the sheriff's office said. Multiple officers returned fired, and Phillips was struck.
Phillips tried to exit the vehicle before collapsing to the ground, with his firearm falling beneath him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined Phillips had an outstanding warrant for theft and would have faced an additional charge of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer had he survived.
The State Attorney’s Office will review the shooting to determine whether the use of force was justified. The sheriff’s office also will conduct an internal review.