Loaded gun found inside car, but still unclear why JSO shot suspect

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — During Friday's afternoon news briefing, Undersheriff Pat Ivey, displayed a photo of the .45 caliber handgun found inside Keith Crowder’s car.

Crowder, 24, was shot twice by Officer Serge Paul Thursday night following a traffic stop on West 32^nd Street near Golfair Boulevard.

“Saw a vehicle speeding, the vehicle also spun its tires. That’s what alerted the officers to the vehicle,” said Ivey.

Crowder is in life-threatening condition at UF Health.

Ivey said the loaded gun was found on the driver’s side floorboard.

What remains unclear, is whether or not Crowder was reaching for the gun when Paul shot him.

“The subject, as I stated last night, immediately exited the vehicle. Verbal commands were given for the subject to re-enter the vehicle but he did not,” said Ivey. “When the subject did not comply and get back in his vehicle this is where we're waiting on the officer’s statement.”

Ivey said they were two other officers at the scene along with other witnesses who live nearby.

JSO said the officer’s vehicle was about 10-15 feet away from Crowder’s car at the time.

In January, Crowder was pulled over in Clay County for a traffic violation. In that case, a loaded gun and marijuana were also found.

Crowder was out of jail on bond for the January incident.

“I believe just as recently as last three days, forensically [the Clay County Sheriff’s Office] got what they needed back on that original case and he will be looking at those felony charges,” said Ivey.

According to Ivey, Crowder is a certified gang member of the so-called “Moncrief Thugs” and goes by “Moncrief Snoop Hit Man Junior” on Facebook.

All the physical evidence recovered has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement which is protocol. The criminal investigation is turned over to the State Attorney’s Office which will determine whether Paul was justified in this case.

After the SAO completes its investigation, JSO will conduct its own probe to see if any policies were violated.

Paul is a nine-year veteran of JSO and he’s on administrative leave. This is his first police-involved shooting.

Trending on ActionNewsJax.com:

• High school cheerleader charged in homeless man's death
• Unvaccinated child infected with measles in Florida
• Clay High school student's 'I'd shoot up a gay night club also' tweet causes stir
• Man boards flight, discovers 'I am the only person on this plane'
• Homeless man charged with exposing himself to woman in Jax Beach

Cox Media Group