Man and woman shot while at traffic light after leaving victim's birthday party

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — One man is dead and a woman is recovering in UF Health after being shot while waiting at a traffic light in Lavilla.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office identified the man as Robert Bryant. He turned 37 on Thursday.

The woman who was driving managed to get to a Shell gas station on Kings Road to find help and call 911.

Friends said the victims are husband and wife and had just left the man’s own birthday party.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said they received the 911 call from the woman around 3:30 a.m.

Police surrounded the white Jaguar the couple was in at the Shell gas station. The vehicle had a shattered right side front passenger window.

According to police, the actual shooting happened more than 15 blocks away from the Shell when the couple got off the interstate onto Kings Road.

“As they were stopped at the light, an unknown vehicle pulls up next to them and begins shooting at them,” said JSO Sgt. Michael Paul.

That's when JSO said the woman, who was driving, sped off and drove until she found the closest well-lit area.

“She is alive at this point she is suffering from at least one gunshot wound. We do have a detective at UF Health. She’s being treated for her wound right now,” said Paul.

The man died at the hospital.

Investigators are still working to get a description of the suspect’s car.

Friends of the victims said the man is a father of three.

“Where they were coming from, what they were doing, all that is going to play a part on whether this was random, or if they were actually targeted,” said Paul.

Police said they’re checking to see if there’s any surveillance video in the area and are asking any potential witnesses to step forward by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

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