ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — JULY 17 UPDATE: The Atlantic Beach Police Department identified the man accused of violently attacking an officer outside a Panera Bread as as Jaden Perkins, 19.
Police said he was arrested Thursday by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and is charged with attempted murder in the second degree.
“Our injured officer is now home and recovering, he will undergo facial reconstructive surgery next week. Prayers are much appreciated,” ABPD said in a post.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the officer and has raised over $2,000 in 24 hours.
Original story from July 16: Police: Atlantic Beach officer beaten unconscious, suspect shot outside Panera Bread
An Atlantic Beach officer was taken to a hospital after he was beaten unconscious outside a Panera Bread Thursday morning, according to police.
During a news conference, police said they received a complaint about a man from employees at the restaurant on Atlantic Blvd. around 5 a.m.
When an officer arrived and tried to make contact with the man, the man beat the officer unconscious, according to police.
The man continued to punch the man in the head while he laid on the ground, witnessed told officers. A back-up officer arrived and saw the man stomping on the officer’s head repeatedly.
Police said the back-up officer gave verbal commands to get the man to stop. The man reportedly stopped and sat on the ground.
The man got back up and authorities said the man told the back-up officer he would have to kill him. The back-up officer retreated to create distance and continued to give verbal commands.
Police said the man then reached for the officer’s gun and that’s when the back-up officer shot the man once who fell to the ground.
The man and the initial officer who responded to Panera Bread were both taken to the hospital.
The officer has serious injuries to his head and face and will need additional medical attention for some period of time, authorities said. He is expected to recover. The suspect also has serious injuries.
Atlantic Beach Police said they haven’t had an officer-involved shooting in over 20 years.
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