'Hero' shot and killed trying to stop robbery at adult arcade in Jacksonville

Police are searching for the gunman they say killed a customer at the Dream Arcade in Biltmore Wednesday night.

MORE: Jacksonville police: Man shot, killed trying to intervene in robbery

Neighbors are calling the shooting victim a hero after investigators say he put himself in the line of fire to stop a robbery attempt.

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Police tell Action News Jax the gunman fired at least one shot, killing the customer inside the arcade.

Jasmine Allen lives near the business, and says she’s disturbed by news of a shooting like this so close to home.

“I think it’s sad,” she said.  “…he was just trying to be a good Samaritan. I guess, like a hero.”

Action News Jax uncovered at least 20 calls for service to the Dream Arcade from the start of 2018 through Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

Action News Jax Reporter Ryan Nelson sat down with District 2 Councilman Al Ferraro to discuss legislation he’s filed to address safety concerns at adult arcades.

Ferraro told us he was not surprised by Wednesday’s events at the Dream Arcade after several violent incidents at arcades around the city.

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“We’ve had prostitution, we’ve had drugs, we’ve had all kinds of things,” he said.

Ferraro’s proposing a bill to outlaw "simulated gambling devices" for commercial and promotional purposes.

First-time violators found guilty would be hit with a $2,000 fine, while second and third-time violators would face $5,000 and $10,000 penalties, respectively.

Violators wouldn’t be able to apply for a license until penalties were fully paid.

Ferraro says the bill is necessary to enhance safety in the arcades and the communities around them.

“We want to have some teeth into the regulations to have them enforced,” he said.

The bill aims to keep adult arcades from offering illegal gambling options to the public.

While adult arcades are regulated by state law, the bill’s text says there’s conflict with Florida statutes.

Nelson went to the arcade owner’s listed address to learn what they’re doing to keep customers safe. He left his contact information with a family member of the owner but did not hear back.

We requested an interview with Sheriff Mike Williams. We did not receive a response.

Cox Media Group