JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 7-year-old boy was fatally shot Friday afternoon during a Westside shooting.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the boy and a 21-year-old man were walking out of a home around 5 p.m. on Commonwealth Avenue when a car, believed to be a Kia Soul, pulled up, people got out and started shooting.
News4JAX spoke to the child’s mom, who identified him as Breon Allen. She said the two were on the way to the corner store when the shots rang out.
JSO said the man is believed to be gang-affiliated. Several homes were struck by gunfire, but no other injuries were reported.
The man and Allen, who his mother said was his cousin, were taken to the hospital. The Allen later died from his injuries, while the man remains in critical condition, police said.
According to JSO, multiple shooters were involved and used both handguns and rifles during the incident.
“My heart goes out to the family of the victim of this senseless murder. Anyone who callously opens fire on a 7-year-old cannot be allowed to walk the streets of our city. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable,” Sheriff T.K. Waters said.
A neighbor was stunned after witnessing everything that happened.
“There were two people coming out of a black vehicle,” the neighbor said. “The passenger looked to have a shotgun and the driver looked like he had a handgun. They were opening fire on what looked like two or three individuals. I’ve lived here for almost a year, and I’ve never seen or heard anything like that.”
If you have any information about this shooting, call 904-630-0500 or 866-845-TIPS.