Anthony Paul Mathison, a 62-year-old man from Tampa, Florida, was tragically shot and killed on the night of December 29, 2017, inside the Kool Runnings bar located in Avon Park, Florida. The incident occurred shortly before 11:00 p.m., when gunfire erupted within the establishment. Upon arrival, deputies from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office found Mathison, who was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services.
The bar was occupied by several patrons at the time of the shooting, but only a few remained to provide statements to law enforcement.
The investigation into Anthony Paul Mathison's death revealed that he was a white male. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office quickly identified a suspect in the case. An arrest warrant was issued for Ian Jobson, a 51-year-old man, who was wanted for first-degree murder and firing a weapon in public. Jobson was described as being 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. Authorities urged anyone with information about Jobson’s whereabouts to come forward, offering a cash reward for tips leading to his arrest.
The case highlighted significant concerns about security measures at the Kool Runnings bar, as the shooting raised questions about the safety protocols in place at the establishment. Despite the issuance of an arrest warrant and the ongoing investigation, details about any subsequent arrests, litigations, or legal proceedings related to the case remain limited. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office continued to seek information from the public to aid in their investigation, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving the crime.
