Crime
Suspect and victim killed in East University Avenue shooting identified
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gainesville Police Department Chief Nelson Moya has identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a lumber store employee and wounding two officers during a confrontation Wednesday morning.
During a Gainesville City Commission meeting on Thursday, Chief Moya confirmed the shooter as Justin Dewayne Long, 31, of the 300 block of County Road 234.
According to police, the incident began shortly before 8:00 a.m. at Imeca Lumber & Hardware, located at 1201 East University Avenue.
Investigators said Long parked his vehicle at a nearby KFC before entering the business, where he allegedly opened fire.
Eduardo Pardo Rodriguez, 23, an employee of the store, was struck and later pronounced dead.
Chief Moya told commissioners that authorities have found no apparent connection between the suspect and the business or the victim.
“Sadly, we are learning that there is very little to no connection to the business,” Moya said. “In fact, we are quickly learning that there is the appearance of an onset of a mental health issue here, and that the victim, who was tragically selected, appears to have been chosen at random.”
Gainesville police officers responding to reports of gunfire observed Long attempting to flee the area in a vehicle.
As officers moved to stop him, officials say Long exited the car and began firing at police.
Two additional officers arrived to assist, and a gunfight ensued.
Long was struck during the exchange and transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Two Gainesville police officers were wounded in the confrontation and were taken to UF Health Shands Hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Both officers were released later Wednesday afternoon.
Chief Moya reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and emphasized the department’s commitment to determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s actions prior to the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, the employees affected by this tragedy, and the officers who put themselves in harm’s way,” Moya said.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.