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Gainesville Police Name Suspect and Victim in Rush-Hour Shootout That Injured Two Officers

Officials say the scene is secure after a hardware-store killing that was followed by a police exchange that left the suspect dead.

Overview

  • Police identified the slain store victim as Eduardo P. Rodriguez, 23, and the suspected gunman as Justin D. Long, 31.
  • Officers responded around 7:56 a.m. near East University Avenue and Waldo Road; Long tried to flee in a red car, got out, opened fire, and was killed when officers returned fire.
  • Chief Nelson Moya described an ambush-style attack and a roughly two-minute gun battle, with rounds striking nearby businesses.
  • Two Gainesville officers sustained non-life-threatening arm and leg wounds, received hospital care, and have been released.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the officer-involved shooting investigation as detectives work to determine motive and any relationship between Long and Rodriguez, and officials report no ongoing public threat.