Police seek information on shots in youth soccer jamboree, while parents reflect on the fate of the season

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – Police are looking for information about the shooting that broke out on Sunday during a youth football party in a Mandarin park, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday.

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

Shortly after 4:30 pm on Sunday, police responded to shots fired at Greenland Park, where there were about 500 players and fans gathered for youth football games.

Investigators said that during the jamboree there was a dispute between the spectators. Investigators said a man displayed a semi-automatic rifle and at some point several shots were fired.

Although no victims have been identified, the incident “may have had dire consequences,” said the Sheriff’s Office.

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“It could have been a very, very terrible, very bad situation if that gun fired at those children,” said Ken Jefferson, a crime and security expert at News4Jax.

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

The Sheriff’s Office said that “when speaking to the event’s prosecutor, investigators had very little cooperation or success in identifying potential victims and witnesses to the incident,” so the police are asking the public for help. Police said they were trying to identify the sniper, who was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a red belt.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Sheriff’s Office by calling 904-630-0500 or by sending an email to [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).

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The jamboree was organized by the Mandarin Athletic Association, and more than two dozen parents met Tuesday night with members of the association to discuss whether this spring’s youth football season will be canceled. The meeting was closed to the media, but one parent talked to News4Jax about what happened.

“They were apologizing and basically leaving it to their parents to decide to move forward with the season,” said mother Sabrina Brown. “I already sent my message to the coach saying that my son is not coming back.”

News4Jax was informed that the parents planned to go home and make their decision and, if the majority of parents do not allow their children to return, the association will cancel the spring season because there would not be enough players to compete. Parents like Brown would also be reimbursed for the money they paid in advance for their children to participate in football. But if they have enough children to keep the spring afloat, the association will ensure that all games are safe.

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

That cost would be per person going through the gate, and Brown said it could increase when large families come to the games.

“It already cost $ 5 a piece, which doesn’t seem like much, but if you bring your grandparents and other children with you, brothers who don’t play, it can add up very quickly,” she said.

On Tuesday, News4Jax learned that parents were also told by the Elite South Youth Football League that parks should be responsible for safety. As of Tuesday night, ESYFL had not returned News4Jax’s request for comment.

Sunday was the first game of 10 for the children participating in the league.

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