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"By the grace of God", critically injured JSO detective is doing well

Just a day after a Jacksonville detective was shot during a traffic stop, he’s awake, speaking with family, and sitting up according to Jacksonville’s Sheriff.

“By the grace of God he is doing tremendous right now, and we hope that track continues,” says Sheriff Mike Williams.

The undercover narcotics detective- who isn't being identified yet because it could jeopardize his safety and ongoing operations- was off duty and driving his teen son to school when he stopped a man for driving erratically on Collins Road. JSO says that suspect, identified as 19-year-old Kevin Rojas, immediately got out of his car and started firing, hitting the detective in the head, upper torso, and hand.

Rojas fled on foot, stole a running truck, and ran in to a neighbor’s house before busting in to his own home, according to JSO. He then allegedly aimed a gun at officers who were pursuing, both of who fired back. Rojas is being treated at the hospital as well.

Williams says the detective’s family is thankful for the continued support.

“He’s still in need of prayer and still has a long road ahead of him to recovery, but doing much better today than we anticipated,” Williams says.

The two officers who shot Rojas are on administrative leave per protocol. The detective’s teen son was not hurt in the exchange of gunfire.

JSO believes Rojas may have been attempting suicide-by-cop following a fight with his girlfriend.

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