JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police are searching for the person responsible for the shooting that injured two teens during the Jacksonville Art Walk.
Two teenage boys were shot in the 100 block of Laura Street on Wednesday night during the first Art Walk of 2017 on Wednesday night. The downtown Jacksonville Art Walk, which takes place on the first Wednesday of every month, was happening in the area at the time.
The suspect was described as a man with long dreadlocks who wore all black clothing.
The officers in the area of the shooting said they heard about eight to 10 gunshots and saw several people come out of the alleyway.
A victim was found in the alleyway bleeding from his leg. The victim, 16-year-old Benwah Wilson, also had a firearm holster on himself, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said. Wilson was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The second victim, 17-year-old Gregory Richardson, was found passed out at Fionn MacCool's Irish Pub & Restaurant at The Landing, JSO said. Police said he was shot in the foot. He was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Officials with Downtown Vision, Inc. released a statement:
"We at Downtown Vision are deeply troubled by the shooting that occurred after last night's Art Walk. We thank Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for its immediate and expert response to this unfortunate incident. Every month, we work closely with JSO on Art Walk, and they implement a number of detailed measures to keep everyone safe at the event.
"We believe that for the past 13 years since its inception, Art Walk has become a well-loved tradition. It is important to our Downtown and to our community, representing the very best of Jacksonville. Every month, Art Walk continues to bring us together in a positive and meaningful way, while supporting our Downtown and its businesses.
"We will continue to work closely with JSO to ensure the ongoing safety of everyone at Art Walk, and look forward to continuing this great Downtown event supporting creativity, diversity and peaceful expression as we work to create and support a more vibrant Downtown Jacksonville."
Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and receive a possible reward of up to $3,000.
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Cox Media Group
