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Police searching for sole survivor of Jacksonville internet cafe shooting

By Kevin Clark and Action News Jax
By Kevin Clark and Action News Jax
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is searching for the third suspect in a deadly armed robbery at an internet cafe on the Southside.
Police responded to Spin City Sweepstakes around 11:30 p.m and found two suspects shot -- and one person who was grazed by a bullet.
One suspect died at the scene and the other was taken to a Jacksonville hospital, where he died. 
The victims have been identified as 28-year-old Raheem Prather and 23-year-old Raymond Dixon.
Police said their investigation revealed three armed men entered the business while a fourth person remained in the suspect vehicle.
Investigators said an armed security guard working for the internet café fatally shot the suspect closest to him. The second suspect was shot while trying to run out of the business.
Action News Jax Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson said the security guard was justified in using deadly force, even though the suspect was leaving.
“It’s his obligation and his duty to protect this business as well as the people inside the business,” Jefferson said. “Whether or not they were leaving, he did not have to retreat and he did not have to give up." 
Police are asking for the community’s help in identifying the third suspect involved. Jefferson said the man could be charged with two counts of murder if he’s caught.
Detectives are also searching for vehicle involved and the person behind the wheel. The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored crossover Jeep.
If you have any information, you’re urged to contact JSO or Crime Stoppers.

An Action News Jax investigation in November revealed that more internet cafes are popping up again despite being banned several years ago.

They often have what the state considers illegal slot machines. This includes fish games and “pre-reveal” games.
In a lawsuit, the Seminole Tribe claims that internet cafes “knowingly permit unlawful gambling.”

The City of Jacksonville joined in on this legal fight in January, with Mayor Curry saying, "I instructed the Office of General Counsel to make clear that Jacksonville will ensure the law is being followed."

Cox Media Group

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