[FoxNews] A school police officer in Jacksonville shot an ax-wielding man who tried and failed to enter an elementary school after police caught up with him, and he refused to drop his weapon.
Duval County Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene told News 4 Jax that the incident occurred around 2:48 p.m. on Friday, and Ruth N. Upson Elementary School went into lockdown when the man approached the school. A school safety assistant initially turned the man back and followed him a short distance but did not leave the campus in order to ensure that the school remained secure, Burton told reporters.
"Police officers from the Duval County School Police Department were on the way. As the subject then left the school, he made his way towards a church where he was then encountered by the police officers," DCPS Police Chief Greg Burton said.
"As the subject came towards one of the police officers, the officers gave him verbal warnings to drop the ax, kept giving him verbal warnings to drop the ax," Burton continued.
"Careful with that axe, Eugene"
"My name's Eric"
*Bang*
The man did not comply and instead threatened the officer, which prompted the officer to shoot "at least one time." The man was in critical condition following the confrontation.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office identified the man as 37-year-old Eric Hurley.
Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene said that school staff followed procedures, not allowing him inside. Then, the school went into lockdown.
“Our staff followed their training, kept all of our students and staff community safe,” Greene said.
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