A mother in Florida took a stand against a predator she claims was sending inappropriate messages to her 13-year-old daughter, resulting in the individual being shot by law enforcement on Monday morning.
On Monday, Chief Alan Parker of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office addressed the media regarding the recent officer-involved shooting.
JSO Sheriff T.K. Waters and Chief of Investigations Alan Parker reported that a mother discovered an inappropriate texting relationship involving her 13-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old man.
At that point, the mother started messaging the suspect and ultimately arranged a meeting for 7 a.m. on Monday at a Popeyes restaurant.
A mother, along with her children—a 13-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son—faced off against an armed suspect.
Authorities reported that the individual, identified as 18-year-old Cerry Banks, displayed a firearm and stated, “When you hear the shots tonight, you know what’s up,” as per the sheriff’s office.
At the press conference, officials reported that the mother took her children and entered the restaurant just as the suspect was walking behind the establishment. A mother reached out to the sheriff’s office from a Popeyes location to report the incident.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the suspect located behind the building. An officer instructed the suspect to turn around and display his hands, but the suspect refused to comply.
The individual subsequently escaped the location.
Upon reaching the corner of the establishment, the officer discovered the suspect brandishing a pistol that had been drawn from his waistband.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that the officer fired multiple shots at the suspect after several commands to stop and drop the weapon went unheeded.
The individual persisted in escaping the vicinity but discarded the firearm at a nearby establishment.
In the end, law enforcement successfully established a perimeter and apprehended the individual in question. Following the incident, he was transported to a nearby hospital where he is reported to be in “stable condition” after sustaining “multiple” gunshot wounds, as stated in the details shared during the press conference.