Update: Suspect shot by police in jail

D’armani Ward, 20, who opened fire on Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers Tuesday afternoon was booked into the Alachua County Jail on multiple charges. 

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers exchanged gunfire with Ward who fled a domestic disturbance call. 

According to GPD, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call around 5 p.m. When they arrived, Ward fled and GPD pursued him across town, where he barricaded himself in a house in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. 

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“It started at Museum Walk Apartments,” said GPD spokesperson Graham Glover in a phone interview. “Then it turned into a cross-town pursuit. We had the vehicle description, so other officers were able to pick him up.” 

The chase started off SW 19th Avenue off of SW 34th Street and ended in the house in the Cedar Grove neighborhood next to the Wal Mart off NE Waldo Road. 

Graham said officers knew the Ward was armed after they responded to the domestic disturbance call. 

Once Ward arrived at the Cedar Grove house, he barricaded himself inside and then came out shooting at the GPD officers, Graham said.   

“That’s when our officers responded,” Graham said. 

Ward was injured and then surrendered to police. He was transported to a local hospital by emergency responders. 

Ward is facing multiple felony charges and is being held on $1,010,000 bail. 

GPD secured the crime scene and reported the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an investigation. 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated.

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