Police have released a photo of James Emerson Connell, 43, who was shot and killed Wednesday by a Jacksonville Sheriff's Officer in Northside after shots ring out during a stolen vehicle investigation.
Prior to the shootout, Connell was wanted in Macon, Ga. on Dec. 7 after the Bibb County Sheriff's Office said Connell carjacked a woman and took off in her red Chevrolet Cruze. Shortly before the carjacking, deputies say Connell got into a scuffle with another female victim, Ashley Day, 26, that ended with a Mercedes Benz rolling backward over Day. Day was hospitalized in stable condition.
On Wednesday, Dec. 12, two Jacksonville Sheriff's Officers were patrolling a Motel 6 at 812 Dunn Ave. in Northside when they spotted a red Chevrolet Cruze with its trunk popped open. After searching the vehicle's information, JSO says the officers discovered the vehicle was reported stolen out of Macon.
Day then exited the Motel 6 and told officers the vehicle belonged to her boyfriend. Day was detained and that's when deputies say Connell approached the officers while holding a large black purse.
Deputies ordered Connell to drop the bag, which he did shortly before revealing a gun and started shooting, JSO said.
One officer, a new recruit, fired back, striking Connell multiple times. Connell was pronounced dead at the scene.
Both officers were put on administrative leave per protocol, JSO says.
An investigation did not yield Day to be connected to the carjacking of the Chevrolet and has not been charged with any crimes, according to JSO.
The police-involved shooting was the second to occur that day.