JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A boy was shot in the leg early Wednesday morning when an argument erupted into gunfire at James Weldon Johnson Park, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
It’s the second time in two days that an argument in the park ended with shots fired, according to police. On New Year’s Eve, the City Hall building was struck by bullets but no one was injured.
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The boy who was wounded in the New Year’s Day shooting was taken to a local hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
According to JSO Sgt. Smith, two groups at the park were arguing when at least two people began shooting. It’s unclear if the shooters were on opposite sides of the argument.
The boy was hit in the leg and someone was taking him to the hospital when they spotted an off-duty officer and flagged them down around 1 a.m., Smith said.
Police said they believe the boy who was shot was connected to one of the groups who were arguing.
Investigators were searching for surveillance footage and witnesses. They said two witnesses were already cooperating with detectives.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500, email JSOCrimeTips@JaxSheriff.org or call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.