WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Update 7/27/2015 at 7:15 p.m.: The suspect has been identified as Earl Jackson, according to a news release from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the release, A Florida Highway Patrol trooper had stopped to help a stranded motorist when Jackson fired several rounds from a handgun while heading into the woods by mile marker 378 on Interstate 75 southbound.
Northbound and southbound traffic was stopped. Deputies, who were holding the perimeter and preparing to go into the woods, heard random gunfire until Jackson was located.
Due to the proximity of the gunfire to the interstate, the highway remained closed in both directions.
After being located and confronted, Jackson made several statements about an association with ISIS that were overheard by ASO deputies, according to Art Forgey, public information officer for ASO.
According to the release, the FBI is investigating the matter and no ISIS connection has been confirmed.
Gunfire was exchanged between Jackson and Alachua County deputies during the confrontation.
Jackson was then held by a rook, an attachment to an armored vehicle that allows operators to grab and hold down a person, according to Forgey, allowing law enforcement to approach Jackson and investigate him for possible explosive devices.
It was during that check that Jackson was found dead, according the release. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. No explosives were found on him.
Jackson’s vehicle, which was parked in the emergency lane of the interstate, was then investigated. Due to the ISIS comments, K-9 units were brought in to detect explosives, according to the release.
The dogs identified a locked box in the trunk of the vehicle containing a handgun, according to Forgey. Other evidence found in the car is being sent to the FBI.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are still investigating the incident.
Update 3:24 p.m.: The suspect has been found dead after a confrontation between him and the law enforcement divisions on scene. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the matter. Northbound traffic remains diverted while the FDLE investigation remains on scene.
I-75 Update: There was a confrontation between officers and the shooter, and the shooter has died. Unknown whether by his own hands.
— WUFT News (@WUFTNews) July 25, 2015
Update 2:44 p.m.:
I-75 Southbound has just been reopened. northbound remains closed.
— WUFT News (@WUFTNews) July 25, 2015
Update 1:17 p.m.: The Sheriff’s office has said they have located the shooter.
Suspect has been located. Working to take him into custody. #I-75
— Alachua Co. Sheriff (@AlachuaSheriff) July 25, 2015
Original story:
North and southbound lanes of I-75 have been shut down for most of Saturday morning after a Florida Highway patrol trooper was shot at during a traffic stop.
The Alachua Sheriff’s Office is now conducting a search for the armed suspect. The trooper was not injured in the incident.
Breaking: I-75 northbound at MM374 (Micanopy) is closed due to an officer involved shooting. Traffic is being diverted to US 441-Williston.
— WUFT News (@WUFTNews) July 25, 2015
More: Alachua Co Sherriff's says armed suspect is on the loose but believed to be in perimeter set by ASO swat. I-75 NB closed at Micanopy.
— WUFT News (@WUFTNews) July 25, 2015
FHP now says all NB & SB lanes of I-75 are closed south of Gainesville as they search for suspect who shot at a trooper, fled into woods.
— WUFT News (@WUFTNews) July 25, 2015
Officer shot at on I-75 was not injured, via @FLHSMV. All lanes are blocked.
— WUFT News (@WUFTNews) July 25, 2015
UF Police are at @UFRecSports Lake Wauburg as a precaution due to the law enforcement incident on I-75. Follow @AlachuaSheriff for updates.
— UF Public Safety (@UFPublicSafety) July 25, 2015
Shooter on loose in Alachua Cnty. GPD, ASO, FHP, MC SWAT blocked traffic on 441 S-bound lane @WUFTNews @WRUFWeather pic.twitter.com/G4OynZrHOa
— Marie Edinger (@MarieEdinger) July 25, 2015
GPD says law enforcement vehicles +helicopters here since 8:30am setting up perimeter to catch shooter @WUFTNews pic.twitter.com/II6QdJlHvM
— Marie Edinger (@MarieEdinger) July 25, 2015
