Security guard shot, killed outside of Jacksonville strip club was veteran, father

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The man killed trying to break up a fight outside of a Jacksonville strip club early Wednesday morning was a veteran and a father, his family tells Action News Jax.

William Chrisman was an Iraq War veteran who did two tours and had four young children, his father-in-law Mike Ellis Cooper said.

Cooper said Chrisman also worked for Harley-Davidson in Jacksonville. Chrisman worked at Flash Dancers two nights a week to pick up some extra cash. He wasn't supposed to work that night, but someone called in so he picked up the extra shift, Cooper said.

Chrisman was trying to break up a fight between two customers that started inside the club when he was shot in the parking lot of Flash Dancers early Wednesday morning.

“He was standing up for somebody that was weaker, that was being picked on. He stepped in to stop it, (which) ended up costing him his life,” Cooper said.

Cooper said the loss of Chrisman will leave "a big empty hole" in their family.

“Will Chrisman was one of the best gentlemen that walked the face of the planet. He’s a hero, and I want the people to know that,” Cooper said.

Police are reviewing surveillance video and are talking to witnesses. Officials said they are working to identify the shooter, who is still on the run.

Police said Wednesday afternoon that they are searching for two people spotted on surveillance camera who they believe may have information about the shooting.

Anyone with information on those individuals is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS to remain anonymous.

Cooper said he will always remember Chrisman for "the way he looked at his children and the way he loved life."

"This guy is one of the good guys that shouldn't have went and we are going to all lose because of it. We are all going to lose because of it," Cooper said.

Cox Media Group