JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has released details and graphic video footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Norfolk Boulevard on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, which resulted in the death of 20-year-old Jamari Akins.
(Viewer discretion is advised: the videos are graphic)
According to JSO’s preliminary briefing, at 8:10 a.m. on the day of the shooting, Akins entered a business on Soutel Drive near Norfolk Boulevard. He was wearing a mask to conceal his face and used his clothing to conceal a gun. Minutes after entering the store, Akins allegedly pulled out his handgun and threatened to shoot the cashier if she did not hand over money. The cashier gave Akins approximately $100 in cash, but not before she managed to call for emergency help.
As Akins fled the business, Officer Mercado and Officer Swinton arrived on the scene. Both officers observed Akins, who matched the cashier’s description of the armed robber, running along Norfolk Boulevard. Officer Mercado pursued Akins, first in his marked patrol car and then on foot…