Florida police: Man shot, wounded after attacking officer

Associated Press
Updated ·1 min read

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A Florida police officer shot and wounded a 19-year-old Black man who had just attacked another officer, authorities said.

Jaden Domani Perkins was shot outside a Panera Bread restaurant Thursday morning in Atlantic Beach, the Florida Times-Union reported. Atlantic Beach is located east of Jacksonville.

Restaurant employees had called police about a man causing a disturbance in the parking lot, officials said. Perkins attacked the first arriving officer, knocking him unconscious, Interim Chief Victor Gualillo said. Perkins was still stomping the officer’s head when a second officer arrived and ordered him to the ground, authorities said.

Perkins initially complied but then got back up and refused commands to halt, officials said. Perkins rushed the officer and tried to grab his gun, prompting the officer to fire one shot, the chief said.

Perkins was hospitalized in serious condition. The first officer also was hospitalized with severe head and facial injuries.

Perkins faces an attempted murder charge, police said.

Officials did not identify the officers involved or their races.

Jail records did not list an attorney for Perkins.