University Avenue Shooting Event: Both Suspect and Victim Dead in East University Avenue Shooting Event
Tragedy strikes on East University Avenue as a shooting incident claims the lives of both a suspect and a victim. Get the latest updates on this viole
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya has named the individual suspected of fatally shooting an employee at a lumber store and injuring two officers during a confrontation that occurred Wednesday morning.
During a meeting of the Gainesville City Commission on Thursday, Chief Moya identified the shooter as 31-year-old Justin Dewayne Long, who resides on the 300 block of County Road 234.
As reported by law enforcement, the events unfolded just before 8:00 a.m. at Imeca Lumber & Hardware, found at 1201 East University Avenue.
According to investigators, Long left his vehicle at a nearby KFC and subsequently entered the store, where he reportedly began shooting.
Eduardo Pardo Rodriguez, a 23-year-old employee of the lumber yard, was hit and later declared deceased.
Chief Moya informed the commissioners that there appears to be no discernible link between the suspect and either the store or the victim.
"It is unfortunate to find out that there is almost no relationship to the business," Moya remarked. "Indeed, we are rapidly realizing that there seems to be a developing mental health issue involved, and it looks like the victim was tragically selected randomly."
Gainesville police officers, responding to the sound of gunfire, saw Long trying to escape the area in a vehicle.
When officers attempted to apprehend him, officials state that Long got out of the car and started shooting at the police.
Two more officers arrived to provide support, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the altercation, Long was injured and was taken to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
Two officers from the Gainesville police department sustained injuries during the encounter and were transported to UF Health Shands Hospital for care and assessment.
Both officers were discharged later on Wednesday afternoon.
Chief Moya reiterated that the investigation is still underway and stressed the department's dedication to understanding the events that led to the shooting, including the suspect's behavior before the incident occurred.
"We extend our condolences to the family of the victim, the employees who were impacted by this tragedy, and the officers who risked their safety," Moya stated.