A tragic incident unfolded at the Hometown Inn & Suites on Jacksonville's Southside where a man was fatally shot and a woman was seriously injured. Sergeant Ray Reeves from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported to First Coast News that officers arrived on the scene shortly after midnight today to find the man already deceased.

According to the details shared by Sgt. Reeves, the woman was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds and was promptly taken to the hospital where she remains in a stable condition. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department were among the first responders who pronounced the man dead at the scene, while JSO's Homicide, and Crime Scene units are now leading the investigation into the events that transpired at the establishment, located at 4940 Mustang Rd. Furthermore, "According to witnesses, we have a suspect," Reeves said on First Coast News , noting the suspect was described as "a Black male wearing a hoodie in his late-20s, early-30s."

Information provided via News4Jax confirms that both individuals knew each other and were staying at the hotel, suggesting a possible connection between the shooter and the victims. The identity of the man has yet to be released pending notification of next of kin, while the hospitalized woman is said to be cooperating with detectives.

Witness accounts have led authorities to a suspect description, a man possibly in his 20s-30s, who remains at large. JSO is currently relying on video surveillance to aid them in their search for the perpetrator, yet no arrests have been made, as reported by Action News Jax . Members of the community with information regarding the incident are encouraged to reach out to JSO's non-emergency number, or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously to assist in bringing the assailant to justice.