JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 7-year-old boy was fatally shot Friday afternoon during a Westside shooting.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a 21-year-old man and a boy were leaving a home on Commonwealth Avenue around 5 p.m. when a car, believed to be a Kia Soul, approached, and individuals exited the vehicle and began shooting.
JSO said the 21-year-old man who survived the shooting was 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. Allen later died from his injuries, while the man remains in critical condition, police said.
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.
“He was a very happy child,” Casheena Love said, Breon’s mother. “He was a superstar in football [who was] very well-known through the city because of his stats.”
She emphasized that the community needs to “speak up” to help her get justice for her son.
“I just need [people] to come forth with some names, some information, whatever you know because he was a baby, he didn’t ask for any of this,” Love said.
Mayor Donna Deegan also provided a statement on the shooting, saying the “heartless violence” has no place in Jacksonville.
Our city mourns the heartbreaking loss of a seven-year-old boy whose life was tragically taken in a senseless shooting. This heartless violence has absolutely no place in our city. I am praying for his family as they experience the unthinkable pain of losing a child this way, and I urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan
Additionally, JSO said anyone who provides information that leads to the arrests of those responsible for Breon’s death could be eligible for an enhanced reward of up to $18,000.
“Your information will be kept 100% anonymous. Even the smallest piece of information could make the biggest difference in bringing justice to this family,” the agency added.
Around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, JSO said it had identified the vehicle used by the suspects during the shooting, but is continuing to search for the suspects themselves.
News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney worked in law enforcement for over 30 years. He said when such young kids are involved, it brings out the full-court press.
“Top of the shelf,” he said.
“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.”
State Attorney Melissa Nelson said her office is working with JSO on this case.
“We will not rest until there is justice,” she said in a statement.
If you have any information about this shooting, call 904-630-0500 or 866-845-TIPS.
Love and her family started a GoFundMe asking for help with funeral expenses.
“We are thankful for the outpouring support from the community. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers during this difficult time. If you know anything, please reach out to JSO,” the family said.
Click here to donate.