Robber pulls gun and shoots cop during struggle on the ground

Jacksonville, Florida — On July 9, 2025, at 8:10 a.m., 20-year-old Jamari Akins entered a business on Soutel Drive near Norfolk Boulevard. He wore a mask to conceal his face and used his clothing to conceal a gun.

Minutes after entering the store, Akins pulled his gun out and threatened to shoot the cashier if she didn’t give him money. The cashier handed Akins approximately $100 in cash, and Akins left the business. However, the cashier had been able to call for emergency help before she handed the money to him.

As Akins ran from the business, Officer Mercado and Officer Swinton arrived. Both officers saw Akins, who matched the cashier’s description of the armed robber, running along Norfolk Boulevard.

Officer Mercado pursued Akins, first in his marked patrol car then on foot. While running from the officer, Akins reached into his pockets, discarding loose cash. The officer tackled Akins to the ground. While they were on the ground, Akins rolled his body to the side, pulled out his handgun, and shot Officer Mercado in the thigh. Officer Mercado returned fire, striking Akins twice. Then, the officer immediately called for help and began administering medical care to himself and put a tourniquet on his leg.

Assisting officers and paramedics arrived quickly on scene to transport Officer Mercado and Akins to the hospital, where Akins was pronounced deceased. Officer Mercado was released the same day after being treated. Akins has a history of arrests and just got out of jail last May.