JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A mentally ill man attempted to set a neighbor’s house on fire at 1500 East 16th Street early Wednesday morning, leading to a police confrontation where the man was shot and later died, JSO said.
Police say the suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Brian Gillis, fled the scene with a knife after attempting to ignite the house.
Police searched for him for 90 minutes before Officer Caleb Blumgarner caught up to him walking down a sidewalk.
Sheriff’s officials say that Officer Blumgarner warned Gillis he would release a police dog if he did not stop.
When the suspect threatened the officer with a knife, Blumgarner shot him five times.
Gills had previously been shot and had facial scarring, which helped officers recognize him.
Gillis was given medical aid on scene after being shot, but he died.
This shooting marks the 13th officer-involved shooting of the year.
Officer Blumgarner, who has been with the department for 11 years, was involved in his first officer-involved shooting during this incident.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the suspect’s connections to the house he attempted to set on fire.
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