Jacksonville Beach officer expected to make full recovery after shootout near Waffle House

Photos: Jacksonville Beach officer shot near Waffle House during shootout

Authorities have provided more details in the officer-involved shootout Wednesday in Jacksonville Beach.

In a media briefing, police said Jacksonville Beach officer William "Bill" Eierman was shot twice but is in good condition and expected to make a full recovery. Eierman is a 16-year veteran of the department.

According to Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Dooley, the incident started just before 10 p.m. when a K9 officer on Shetter Avenue heard a loud noise and realized someone was shooting at him.  The officer returned fire and the suspect started to run from the scene.

MORE: Jacksonville Beach moves forward with midnight curfew for restaurants, cites public safety

When the officer confronted the suspect, officials said he ran east on Beach Boulevard and was confronted by two other officers outside the Waffle House on Beach Boulevard and 3rd Street.

Police said gunfire was exchanged between the officers and the suspect. Officer Eierman and the suspect were shot and taken to Memorial Hospital.

Officer Eierman was shot in the leg and the pelvis area, authorities said.

Chief Dooley calls the shooting of a veteran officer is gut-wrenching and inexcusable.

“It’s as bad as it gets for me right now”, said Chief Dooley.

The shooting suspect, identified as Jovan Sisljagic, 27, was shot three times and was taken to the hospital but has since been released.

Jacksonville Beach police said Sisljagic faces two counts of attempted first degree murder.

No word on why the suspect began shooting at the officer. To get live updates on breaking news as soon as we receive them, download our free Action News Jax app in the app store or Google Play. 

Cox Media Group