Oceanway traffic stop ends in fatal Jacksonville officer-involved shooting tied to suspected stolen vehicle investigation
What happened
A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer fatally shot a man in the Oceanway area during an encounter that began as part of an investigation into a suspected stolen vehicle and a series of reported business burglaries. The shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, on Ponce Boulevard off New Berlin Road.
Officers assigned to a District 6 task force had been seeking a suspect identified by police as William Lowe, who authorities said was wanted in connection with a stolen car case and was also suspected of involvement in multiple business break-ins. Investigators said they maintained surveillance on a residence in the 300 block of Ponce Boulevard where they believed Lowe was present.
After about an hour, officers said Lowe came out of the home and entered the passenger seat of a vehicle that had arrived at the location. Police stopped the vehicle as it attempted to leave. Lowe was identified and taken into custody without officers reporting injuries during that portion of the stop.
Encounter with the driver
While Lowe was being detained, a second officer approached the driver. Police said the driver did not comply with commands, and a physical struggle followed between the driver and the officer. During that struggle, investigators said the driver produced a handgun. The officer fired once, striking the driver in the head.
The driver, identified by police as Alan Rush, 46, died at the scene. The officer who fired the shot was identified as Zachary Jennings, who authorities said had been with the agency for eight years. Officials stated this was Jennings’ first officer-involved shooting.
Evidence and charges referenced by investigators
Police said a firearm was recovered at the scene. Investigators also reported finding narcotics in the vehicle Rush was driving, including cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, pills, and an unidentified powder. Authorities said Rush was a convicted felon.
Lowe remained in custody following the stop. Police did not immediately disclose additional details about Lowe’s alleged role in the burglary investigation or how Lowe and Rush knew each other, indicating that aspect was still under review.
How the investigations typically proceed
Officer-involved shootings in Jacksonville are generally reviewed through parallel tracks: a criminal review handled by the State Attorney’s Office and an administrative review conducted by the sheriff’s office. The criminal review focuses on whether any Florida law was violated and whether a case could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The administrative review evaluates whether agency policies and procedures were followed.
In this case, authorities said the State Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent investigation. Once that criminal review is complete, the sheriff’s office is expected to finalize its administrative assessment.
Date and time: Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, about 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ponce Boulevard near New Berlin Road, Oceanway area
Outcome: Driver Alan Rush, 46, fatally shot; passenger William Lowe taken into custody
Officer identified: Zachary Jennings
Any final determinations regarding the legality of the shooting, potential charges, or policy compliance typically depend on the completion of the criminal and administrative reviews.