The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office body camera program faces its first big test following an officer-involved shooting in West Jacksonville.
First Coast News can verify officer J.A. Ledyard was wearing a body camera when he shot Tyrone Buckman, following a high-speed chase on Melson Avenue Friday.
Buckman, a convicted felon, ran from officers, holding a loaded revolver, JSO said. He is recovering at UF Health.
First Coast News can also verify two other officers were wearing body cameras at the scene.
"There are different perspectives from different officers in different places,” said Ron Lendvay, director of investigations and Homeland Security
First Coast News cannot confirm if the cameras were recording or what if anything the recordings show, as right now only investigators and the state attorney’s office has access.
"It’s treated as evidence in this case,” Lendvay said. “The investigative team are the only persons that have access to it at this time.”
First Coast News can verify JSO is in the early stages of its body-camera program. The first phase is a rollout of 250 cameras. The department will add 250 each quarter until every patrol officer has one.
"If you're wearing this uniform and a sergeant or rank below, you'll have a body camera when you come to work,” said Mike Williams, Jacksonville sheriff.
The decision to release the footage will ultimately come down to the office of state attorney Melissa Nelson, but it's unclear when that might be.