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Man arrested in connection with fatal shooting at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville’s Southside

Mai-Kel Bryant arrested and accused of fatally shooting man at Circle K gas station. (JSO, Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 22-year-old man was arrested on Thursday in connection with a fatal shooting that happened at a Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.

Mai-kel Bryant was arrested for 2nd degree murder and tampering with evidence.

Police said the incident occurred around 9 p.m. at a Circle K on Southside Boulevard and Square Lake Boulevard.

Witnesses and surveillance showed an argument had taken place between Omar Padilla, 36, and Bryant, an employee of the store. The argument started inside the store and continued into the parking lot where Bryant shot Padilla, JSO said.

Jacksonville Fire Rescue took him to the hospital, where he died.

Bryant then drove off and he was taken into custody at a nearby resident a short time later.

Watch the full briefing below.