Executive Summary
- Four teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were arrested in Jacksonville for armed robbery and attempted murder.
- The suspects allegedly ambushed a victim in his car on Crestwood Street.
- The victim returned fire during the confrontation, injuring two of the suspects.
- The State Attorney’s Office is reviewing whether to charge the teens as adults.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Four teenagers have been taken into custody and face felony charges of armed robbery and attempted murder following a violent confrontation in the Norwood area, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). Authorities report that the suspects allegedly ambushed a man sitting in his vehicle, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Officers responded to a reported shooting on Crestwood Street on Tuesday, February 3. According to the police report, the victim stated he was seated in his car when the group of teenagers approached him. JSO officials noted that the suspects were armed and demanded the victim exit the vehicle.
During the incident, gunfire was exchanged between the suspects and the victim. Authorities confirmed that the victim returned fire, shooting and injuring two of the assailants. Detectives subsequently identified the suspects as two 14-year-olds and two 15-year-olds. All four were arrested on charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
One of the 15-year-old suspects remains hospitalized for injuries sustained during the altercation, according to law enforcement. The State Attorney’s Office has indicated that the case is currently under review to determine whether the accused will be prosecuted as juveniles or charged as adults. Due to their ages and the pending status of the review, their names have not been released.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Legal Ramifications
The classification of these charges is currently the focal point of the judicial process. Prosecutors must decide whether the severity of the alleged crimes warrants transferring the cases to adult court, a significant determination in Florida law for violent felonies committed by minors. As the investigation concludes, the decision will likely hinge on the specific role of each teen in the ambush and prior legal history.
