Jacksonville Beach Police identify father of 4 shot, killed in front of his 2-year-old

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — UPDATE 2/22/22: The Jacksonville Beach Police Department has identified the father of 4 shot and killed in front of his 2-year-old daughter last Wednesday night as 33-year-old Jared Galen Bridegan.

The shooting happened near Jacksonville Drive and Sanctuary Way North around 8 p.m. Authorities are investigating the incident as a homicide.

First Coast Crime Stoppers is now offering an increased reward of $8,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the person who killed Bridegan. The standard reward is typically $3,000.

Those with any information are being asked to call police or First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).

Original story from February 16:

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is investigating after a father of four was shot and killed in front of his 2-year-old daughter Wednesday night.

The shooting happened near Jacksonville Drive and Sanctuary Way North.

Police said the 33-year-old father died at the scene, but his child, who was in a car when the shooting happened, was not hurt.

Police did not publicly identify him, nor did they release any suspect information.

Police first received a report of a person being shot around 8 p.m. They are now working the investigation as a homicide.

A tire and handgun shell casings were found where the shooting happened. Police shared an image of a damaged tire, but are unsure if it is related to the incident.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen a black SUV between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night to call them immediately at 270-1661.

Officers are asking nearby residents to check their home security footage for any possible sightings of the black SUV.

Action News Jax spoke to neighbors who described the community as quiet, where everyone knows each other.

“I just got back from a run and heard three gun shots. Two and then pause and then two more. I heard there was one victim. That’s terrible. I obviously don’t want that to happen to anyone, for any reason”, said Matt Fennell.

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