Jacksonville police: Man shot, killed inside U-Haul on Westside

Officers believe man drove van short distance after he was shot

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man was shot in a U-Haul vehicle on the Westside early Saturday morning and died at the scene, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Police said the man was found dead with at least one gunshot wound, after crashing into a chain link fence at a home near Susie Street at Old Middleburg Road just before 3 a.m. He was later identified as 32-year-old Steven Howard Cleary.

Investigators believe Cleary was shot and then drove 15 to 20 feet before crashing into the fence.

Cleary died at the scene. Homicide detectives are talking with neighbors and didn't say whether they have any suspects.

"This street has a lot of crime, especially the last three houses. It’s always the last three houses," said neighbor Teresa Ruckman.

She lives down the street from where the shooting is believed to have happened.

"(It) just hasn’t stopped, no matter how many times the cops get called to the house. It’s scary," Ruckman said.

The U-Haul van was towed away a few hours after the shooting.

The killing has neighbors concerned about what they say is ongoing violence.

"We’re constantly calling the police about it. We’ve had multiple murders," Ruckman said.

Police are looking for the shooter. Anyone with information about the murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).


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