Police have identified the 18 year-old believed to be responsible in the Tuesday afternoon shooting of a US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Agent.
Clay County Sheriff’s Office says Thomas Jacob Lewis, IV, targeted the agent for being law enforcement.
The agent was leaving the Publix on Oakleaf Plantation Parkway while carrying groceries, when Lewis shot the agent in the back. CCSO says the agent was hit in the abdomen and his injuries are severe, but there is a “positive prognosis” for the agent’s survival. As of Wednesday morning, he remains in critical condition.
Lewis was in his car during the shooting, and continued driving after firing multiple shots. He then apparently turned his gun on himself, and has died as a result of that self-inflicted gunshot.
At this time, CCSO says there’s no clear connection between Lewis and the agent.
“He was carrying his grocery bags, caught totally off guard, and appeared to be shot from behind,” says CCSO Chief Wayne McKinney.
There was no law enforcement activity at the Publix at the time, and the agent was in a personal, unmarked vehicle, although the agent was in law enforcement clothing- including his badge and shoulder holster.
“It is disturbing, it’s something we live with each and every day, knowing that in our community there are individuals that would target us just for the badge we wear on our chest. It is disturbing, but we’re trying to keep our feelings out of it at this time and conduct the investigation to the best of our abilities,” McKinney says.
Lewis had an outstanding warrant for sale and delivery of a narcotic.
There are more than 30 witnesses to what happened, according to CCSO.
They’re working to interview all of those witnesses and process the large crime scene in the parking lot.CBP says they’re working closely with CCSO on this investigation, while also warning other agents.
“CBP has informed its workforce of this report in Florida and has reminded its law enforcement personnel to be alert and aware of their surroundings and potential threats related to their service,” says the statement from CBP.
CBP says the agent is assigned to the National Air Security Operations Center- Jacksonville.