JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Back-to-back shootings just a few hundred feet apart are raising concerns along Harts Road in Jacksonville, and now, a city councilman is stepping in with plans to increase safety in the area.
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On Sunday, a man was found shot in the area after getting into a fight with two other men. Investigators say that during the fight, one of the suspects pulled out a gun, shot the man, and then took off in a silver Jeep.
Less than 900 feet away, a woman was shot at a Red Roof Inn just last month. In that case, investigators say she and the suspect were in one of the rooms when an argument broke out. She was shot, and both left the scene. Witnesses ended up calling 911.
The recent uptick in crime has led Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. to push for several changes in an effort to reduce crime along Harts Road.
“It’s concerning. It’s upsetting. You know, the Harts Road community deserves better,” Gaffney said. “Right when you think you’re slowing the crime down, you get another shooting. So it’s just frustrating.”
He added that he’s spoken to several officials on the matter, and that a potential solution could be achieved by adding extra surveillance to the area.
“I spoke with the chief commander for zone CS off Harts Road, and right now we’re in the process of filing legislation to potentially get cameras and surveillance on Harts Road,” he said.
Gaffney said he’s also considering asking JSO to increase patrols or surveillance in that part of town, and has received assurance that the request will be fulfilled.
He noted that the River City Inn—a location tied to ongoing issues—was just declared a public nuisance and is now under city review.
“They are working with the city, and they are working with JSO, and we have to meet certain restrictions and comply in order to stay open,” Gaffney said.
JSO said both cases appear isolated, and so far, no arrests have been made. Investigators are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage to contact JSO or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
Councilman Gaffney said he plans to hold a community meeting at the Highlands Library on July 31 at 6 p.m. to hear directly from residents.