Chief Alan Parker, left, speaks about a shooting Sunday night. March 30, 2025, at an apartment complex on Toledo Road. Joining him is Undersheriff Shawn Coursey. | Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Published on March 31, 2025 at 10:45 am
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Jacksonville police shot and killed a man pointing a gun at them late Sunday at the Kings Trail Apartments on Toledo Road, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Alquan V. Suydam, 28, was shot about 7:45 p.m. in an indident that involved three officers. It was the second time in two days that police had been called to the apartment complex for a domestic disturbance involving Suydam.
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“Two days earlier, there was a similar incident that occurred, and the aunt called at that time,” Chief Alan Parker said. “By the time the officers arrived, he had already fled in the vehicle; that’s why they knew what the vehicle was tonight when they arrived — same involved party.”
This time, officers were called after a report that someone had punched a pregnant woman in the stomach, then pulled a gun before fleeing, Parker said. Officers had a description of the man and his car from the earlier call and rolled up to find Suydam still at the complex, Parker said.
Officers were told the man was still holding his girlfriend against her will, Parker said.
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As the officers arrived, they saw the suspect in the vehicle. But as they got out of their police cruisers, the man walked away with a hand in his pocket, Parker said. Officers told him to stop and show his hands, but he pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officers, police said.
“He was just looking at them, just had that 1,000-yard stare, as they call it,” Parker said. “He just didn’t do what he was told and decided to pull a gun instead.”
Three officers fired, and Suydam was hit in the leg and hip, then fell as he dropped the gun. He was declared dead at a hospital. The State Attorney’s Office is investigating the shooting.
The officers involved in the shooting are Jonathan Shirk, who has been on the force for six months, plus four-year veteran Connor Duho, and Cody Melton, a three-year veteran. This was their first officer-involved shooting and the fifth in Jacksonville this year, Parker said.
