Bodycam shows knife-Wielding Felon Ignored Police Commands and Advanced Before He was Shot

On Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 2:16 p.m., JSO Patrol officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Bertha Street after a complaint of erratic behavior by a male armed with a large knife, later identified as 49-year-old Jimmy Lamar Riggs. Police officers immediately canvassed the area looking for Riggs. At 2:36 p.m., Officers Vale and Easterly were flagged down by a concerned citizen who directed them to the southeast corner of Atlantic Boulevard and Belote place, where Riggs was located. Officers Vale and Easterly immediately observed that Riggs was holding a large knife above his head. The officers both yelled loud verbal commands to Riggs to drop the knife.

Rather than comply with the officers' directives, Riggs walked towards the officers, still wielding the large knife above his head. At 2:37 p.m., when Riggs came within 10 to 15 feet of the officers Officer Vale fired his firearm while officer Easterly simultaneously deployed his agency issue taser. Riggs fell to the ground, both struck by the gunfire and momentarily incapacitated by the effects of the taser. Officer Vale handcuffed Riggs, and Officer Easterly kicked away from Riggs the knife that Riggs had been holding. Within a minute, rescue was on scene and Riggs was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his lower body, in addition to self-inflicted stab wounds to his abdomen. Riggs remains hospitalized in critical condition in a local hospital. the following body warn camera footage captured the shooting Crime scene detectives responded to the scene and collected the large knife with which Riggs had been armed. Riggs' arrest history includes multiple felony arrests for crimes including kidnapping, robbery, burglary and drug possession. Additionally, Riggs had three known mental health evaluations pursuant to the Baker Act. Due to his actions immediately prior to this critical incident, Riggs is currently charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.