Police seek information about gunshots at youth soccer jamboree as parents contemplate the fate of the season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Police are seeking information about gunshots that broke out Sunday during a youth soccer jamboree in a Mandarin park, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday.

The request for information came just hours before parents of youth soccer players met with the Mandarin Athletic Association to consider whether the spring soccer season will be canceled.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, agents responded to shots fired at Greenland Park, where about 500 players and fans had gathered for youth football matches.

Investigators said there was a dispute between spectators during the jamboree. Investigators said a man showed a semi-automatic rifle and multiple shots were fired at one point.

Although no victims have been identified, the incident could have had “serious consequences,” the sheriff’s office said.

“This could have been very, very, very bad if that gun had been fired at those kids,” said News4Jax crime and security expert Ken Jefferson.

According to parents, there was no security in Greeland Park at the time of the incident. A police report shows several officers, two K-9 units and the JSO helicopter responded to the scene.

The sheriff’s office said that “in a conversation with the promoter of the event, the investigators had very little cooperation or success in identifying potential victims and witnesses to the incident,” so officers are asking for the public’s help. Police said they are trying to identify the shooter, who was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and red belt.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 904-630-0500 or emailing [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).

The jamboree was hosted by the Mandarin Athletic Association, and more than two dozen parents met with members of the association on Tuesday evening to discuss whether the youth football season is canceled this spring. The meeting was closed to the media, but one of the parents spoke to News4Jax about what happened.

“They apologized and basically left it up to the parents how they would decide to go ahead with the season,” said parent Sabrina Brown. “I have already sent my message to the coach that my son will not return.”

News4Jax was told that the parents were planning to go home and make their decision, and if a majority of parents do not allow their child to return, the association will cancel the spring season as there would not be enough players to play. fight. Parents like Brown would also get back the money they paid in advance to let their child participate in spring football. But if they have enough kids to keep the spring season going, the association will make sure every game is secured.

“We would have to pay extra, possibly at the gate, to pay for that security,” said Brown.

That cost is per person walking through the gate, and Brown said it can add up if large families come to the games.

“It was already $ 5 each, which doesn’t sound like much, but having your grandparents with you and other kids with you, siblings who aren’t playing, can add up pretty quickly,” she said.

Earlier Tuesday, News4Jax heard that parents were also told that the Elite South Youth Football League wanted parks to be responsible for safety. As of Tuesday night, ESYFL had not responded to News4Jax’s request for comment.

Sunday was the first game of 10 for the children who took part in the competition.

One of the coaches told News4Jax that the past few days have been tough for everyone who witnessed what happened during the jamboree. The Mandarin Athletic Association also announced at Tuesday night’s meeting that a grief counselor will be available free of charge to any child or adult traumatized by Sunday’s incident.

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