Parking lot crash leads to man shot

Jacksonville police got tag number of suspect vehicle, but owner is in jail

JACKSONVILLE, Fl. – A minor crash Saturday night led to an argument, then gunfire, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Officers responded to the 4878 Highway Avenue around 11:15 p.m. Saturday. Police said Howard Sweat, 45, was taken to UF Health Jacksonville after being shot multiple times in the abdomen and pelvis.

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Police said Sweat's car had been struck by a gray Nissan pickup truck in the parking lot of Shore's Liquors. The driver of the other car denied hitting Sweat's car. When the discussion escalated to an argument, Sweat got in his car to get his cellphone and clearly indicated to the suspect he was calling 911. A witness said the suspect knocked the cellphone out of Sweat's hand and threw a punch through the window of Sweat's car.

According to the police report, the suspect was driving away when he shot Sweat.

The pickup truck was gone when police arrived. Officers ran the Florida tag number and found it registered to someone who is in prison. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS or contact the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500.