JSO: Unknown why officer shot suspect after Springfield pursuit, collision

Jacksonville police still don’t know what caused an officer to shoot a suspect following a high-speed chase, and collision, in Springfield on Sunday.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says Officer Tyler Landerville, a 7-year veteran of the force, shot at Vernell Bing Jr. five times, striking him once in the head. Bing remains in the hospital recovering from his injury.

Officer Landerville noticed a Chevy Camero traveling north bound on MLK Pkwy. near 8th St. on May 2, which he recognized from a shooting at 11th St. Tire Shop on April 16. He initiated a pursuit, by activating lights and sirens.

JSO Chief Chris Butler says the pursuit lasted five minutes, spanned 3.7 miles and featured “excessive” speeds.

Bing, 22, was traveling southbound on Main St., crossed over the median to the northbound lanes and narrowly missed a sitting officer.

Officer Landerville continued pursuit, and was confronted by the suspect’s car traveling the opposite direction on 9th St. The two vehicles collided head on.

“According to the data recorders taken from the suspect’s car, as well as the police car, the suspect’s speed half-a-second out prior to impact was 53 mph, and he was not applying the breaks,” Chief Butler said Monday. “Police Officer Landerville’s speed at the time was 14 mph, and he was breaking.”

Witnesses tell police that Officer Landerville approached Bing, who was still inside his car after it crashed in to a building on Liberty St. Officer Landerville’s weapon was holstered as he approached the car.

“For some reason, as the suspect exits from his car, something caused Police Officer Landerville to unholster his weapon and shoot at the suspect multiple time,” Butler said. “I don’t know what caused Police Officer Landerville to discharge his weapon at that time, something caused him to do that.

Both Officer Landerville and Bing were taken to the hospital. Officer Landerville has since been discharged from the hospital.

No weapons were found in Bing’s car.

JSO is calling on the community to speak out if they have any information about the incident.

“We want exactly what the community wants,” Butler said. “We want a thorough investigation. With your help, we can make sure that any witnesses that might be out there come forward with that information.”

Officer Landerville has yet to issue a statement.