Anthony Dwayne Harris, a 38-year-old African American man, died on January 28, 2013, in Jacksonville, Florida. His death occurred during a confrontation with Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) officers at a residence on Pearl Street North. The incident began as a response to a domestic violence call involving Harris and his teenage son. According to reports, Harris had pushed his 17-year-old son into a china cabinet, causing injuries from broken glass.
When officers attempted to arrest Harris, he resisted, leading to a physical altercation.
During the struggle, Harris allegedly tried to unsnap one of the officer's guns from its holster. In response, Officer Scott Williams fired seven shots at Harris, all of which hit him, resulting in his death at the scene. Officer Kevin Kilcoin, who was also involved in the altercation, sustained a non-life-threatening injury to his thigh, though it was unclear whether it was caused by a bullet or debris.
Harris had a long criminal record, including 25 separate arrests dating back to when he was 15 years old. His convictions included charges related to drugs, traffic violations, gambling, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. At the time of his death, he had recently been released from jail on various drug charges.
The incident sparked controversy and led to an investigation. Harris's family disputed the police's account, particularly the claim that he reached for the officer's gun. His daughter, who witnessed the event, stated that she did not see him make any such move. The officers involved were placed on administrative leave following the incident, as per JSO protocol.
In the aftermath, Harris's family pursued legal action, claiming that he was unarmed and that the use of deadly force was unjustified. The case highlighted ongoing concerns about police conduct and the use of force in Jacksonville.
