Police released body camera footage Tuesday depicting a fatal encounter between deputies and a man wanted for murder in South Florida.
The incident occurred in March after deputies with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) located the suspect, Zonchez Prince, and followed him to a parking lot, according to JSO Assistant Chief Chris Brown. Officers surrounded Prince’s vehicle, blocking him into a parking space and obstructing the vehicle. Prince refused to surrender and told deputies they would have to kill him.
“Just shoot me, bro,” Prince tells JSO officers in newly released body camera footage.
“We’re not going to shoot you. Step out of the car,” a JSO deputy responds. “Step out of the car. Show us your hand, sir.”
Seconds later, Prince pointed a gun at one of the officers through an open car window, prompting two officers to open fire. Deputies immediately provided medical care, but Prince succumbed to his injuries at the scene, Brown confirmed. (RELATED: Police Arrest Florida Woman On Manslaughter Charges After Deadly Neighborhood Dispute)
Critical Incident Briefing#JSO, along with the @SAO4Florida, continue the investigation into the officer involved shooting that occurred on Friday, May 19, 2023, in the 1100 block of Park Avenue, in Orange Park.
Aligning with Sheriff Waters’ continuing commitment to openness… pic.twitter.com/S8M6YmCNiE
— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) June 6, 2023
The Florida State Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent inquriy to review the officers’ actions and determine their lawfulness, while JSO will conduct its own internal investigation to assess whether the officers’ actions complied with JSO policy.
Both Prince and his brother were wanted for murder. Prince’s brother was apprehended in Fort Lauderdale two days after Zonchez’s death and has been charged with first-degree murder, Local10 reported.
The motive behind the murder is still under investigation, according to News4Jax.