News Summary
A fire on Soutel Drive in Jacksonville hospitalized one and displaced six residents who received assistance from the Red Cross. Concurrently, Officer Mercado was shot during an armed robbery pursuit. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, highlighting public safety concerns.
Jacksonville – A fire in the 3000 block of Soutel Drive on Monday evening resulted in one person being hospitalized and six adults receiving assistance from the Red Cross. The Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (JFRD) responded swiftly to the incident, bringing the fire under control by 9 p.m. As investigations continue, the cause of the fire is believed to be related to a heater. This fire follows another incident on Pipit Avenue in which a person was hospitalized in critical condition.
According to JFRD officials, the flames engulfed a residential building, prompting numerous emergency calls from neighbors. Firefighters arrived on the scene and worked diligently to extinguish the blaze, ensuring the safety of nearby residents. Although no details about the hospitalized individual have been released, their condition highlights the serious nature of residential fires. The six adults who were displaced by the fire received aid from the Red Cross, which provided temporary housing and support services.
In a separate incident on the same day, Officer Luis Mercado III of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was shot during a confrontation with a suspect involved in an armed robbery earlier in the morning at a nearby Family Dollar. Reports indicate that the robbery occurred shortly after 8 a.m., when a masked assailant threatened a clerk and demanded cash. The suspect made off with approximately $100 before fleeing the scene.
A vigilant customer who overheard the threat called 911, prompting a swift police response. Officer Mercado pursued the armed suspect on foot and managed to tackle him; however, during the struggle, the suspect fired two rounds, one of which hit Mercado in the leg. Despite his injury, Mercado returned fire, striking the suspect, who later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The deceased suspect, a 20-year-old male, had a lengthy criminal history that included recent prison time for various offenses. The shooting of the suspect marks the 10th police shooting involving the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office this year, with six of those incidents resulting in fatalities. Officer Mercado, who was able to apply a tourniquet to his own leg after being shot, is reported to be recovering from his injuries in a hospital.
The JFRD is currently investigating the fire to determine the precise cause and whether it is linked to a recent incident on Pipit Avenue, where another residential fire occurred on Sunday morning. This incident left a person in critical condition, raising ongoing concerns about safety and fire incidents in the Jacksonville area.
As Jacksonville residents reflect on these incidents, the community is reminded of the essential role of emergency services, both in dealing with fire emergencies and ensuring public safety in situations involving crime. Both events serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of such incidents and the importance of readiness and response from local authorities as well as the community.
As investigations continue into both the fire and the officer-involved shooting, local authorities will be working to provide further updates to the public.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Accidental Shooting of Toddler Sparks Gun Safety Concerns
Major Crash Causes Traffic Disruptions on I-295 W North
Tragic Shooting Incident Near CDC and Emory University
Ukraine Awaits Russian Memorandum Ahead of Peace Talks
Chaos Erupts at CDC Headquarters as Shooter Opens Fire
Milwaukee County Declares State of Emergency Amid Flooding
Jacksonville Shooting Incidents Leave One Dead and Three Injured
Multiple Shootings Shake Baltimore Neighborhood
Record-Breaking Heat Sweeps Phoenix
Trump to Meet Putin in Alaska Amidst Ukraine Tensions
Additional Resources
- First Coast News: One person hospitalized from fire on Soutel Drive
- Jacksonville.com: Officer-involved incident sends two people to hospital
- Action News Jax: Armed robbery suspect dies after chase
- Google Search: Jacksonville fire and police incidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
