PALATKA, Fla. — 12:00 AM UPDATE: The Palatka Police Department published a press release, which can be read below:
On May 9, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Palatka Police Department was working a block party in the area of North 20th Place and Eagle Street when a suspect, who is currently in police custody, drove through the crowd, striking multiple participants and vehicles in the area.
Law enforcement officers attempted to stop the suspect, who fled the scene before returning moments later and crashing into a patrol vehicle, additional participants, and vehicles.
Officers on scene attempted to stop the suspect, firing at the suspect during the incident. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital where he is currently being treated for injuries sustained during the encounter.
At this time, no injuries to law enforcement personnel have been reported.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has been notified and is actively investigating the officer-involved shooting, as well as processing multiple crime scenes associated with the incident.
This information is preliminary and remains part of an active investigation. Additional details and updates will be released as they become available.
END OF UPDATE
10:45 PM UPDATE: The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has said that at a City of Palatka-approved block party at 20th Street and Eagle Street, at approximately 8 p.m., a vehicle drove through a crowd of people, leading to gunfire.
The sheriff’s office says multiple people were transported to hospitals following the incident.
Following the initial incident, the crowd dispersed from the area. Approximately 1,000 people later regrouped at the Middleton Shopping Center, located at 18th Street and Reid Street.
The sheriff’s office says a large law enforcement presence is on scene to disperse the crowd, including the Palatka Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, FL Highway Patrol and local deputies.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says authorities are managing multiple active scenes and “the incident at the block party is believed to be isolated.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
END OF UPDATE
The Palatka Police Department confirmed with Action News Jax that an officer-involved shooting occurred in connection to a block party in Palatka Saturday night.
The shooting happened in the area of North 20th and Eagle Street.
The Palatka Police Department told Action News Jax that the suspect shot by officers was not killed.
Authorities from the Palatka Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol are all at the scene, working to gather evidence and control crowds.
More information regarding the officer-involved shooting and events leading up to it is expected to be released by authorities in the coming hours.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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