Anthony Lewis Death – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, in a news release shared with First Coast News on Tuesday, disclosed the identity of the victim involved in the fatal shooting at a hookah lounge parking lot on the city’s Westside in the early hours of Monday morning.
Police have identified Anthony Lewis, aged 21, as the individual who was shot and killed. Witnesses transported him to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, as per police reports. Sergeant Highfill of JSO informed First Coast News that officers were dispatched to the shooting scene around 1:10 a.m. on Monday.
Authorities stated that “multiple shots were fired” subsequent to a dispute erupting in the parking lot, noting that there were over 100 individuals present at the hookah lounge during the incident. Additionally, bullets struck several vehicles in the vicinity. “The relationship of the individuals involved in the dispute and the reason for the dispute is still under investigation,” Highfill remarked on Monday.
Highfill verified the presence of security guards in the parking lot at the time of the altercation. “Based on our initial investigation, they did not return any fire and they were not involved in the incident,” Highfill clarified. The sheriff’s office has identified a suspect in connection with the incident, described as a Black male dressed in all black attire at the time.
Subsequent to the incident, the owner of the establishment situated at 5220 Normandy Blvd. informed First Coast News that, out of respect for the situation, he has opted to close down the hookah lounge. He noted having four security guards on duty Sunday night for Memorial Day and stressed that the shooting occurred outside the premises.
Individuals possessing information regarding the incident are urged to contact JSO’s non-emergency number at 904-630-0500. Alternatively, individuals can provide anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
