JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A father is in critical condition after being shot multiple times by a man who investigators say is his daughter’s boyfriend.
The shooting happened on Ahmad Drive North in the Magnolia Gardens neighborhood Thursday night, around 6:30 PM.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says the dad was trying to protect his daughter from a domestic violence situation between her and her boyfriend. That’s when they say the boyfriend pulled out a gun and shot the dad.
Investigators say the boyfriend ran off and still hasn’t been found. They say the father was shot multiple times in the chest and leg and is in critical condition. Neighbors we spoke with said they had seen the couple fighting in the streets before the incident and noted that the conflicts really ramped up over the last two weeks.
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Experts tell us domestic violence affects more people than you might think.
“One out of four women experience domestic violence, and one out of six men experience domestic violence,” said Tammy Taylor, Chief Program Officer at the Hubbard House Jacksonville.
Hubbard House is a certified domestic violence shelter that provides services for victims and their children. She said the pain from domestic violence isn’t just felt within the couple, it’s felt by everyone around them. The best way to de-escalate a situation, she said, is to call law enforcement.
“Trying to de-escalate may heighten the situation and cause the survivor not to be safe,” said Taylor. ”The abuser may have a weapon that they’re using, so again, calling for help as soon as possible is the best way to de-escalate.”
If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic violence, you can call the Hubbard House 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 904-354-3114.
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