On August 25, 2017, Daniel Blyler, 44, was shot and killed by a Jacksonville police officer outside Vic’s Sandwich Shop in Jacksonville, Florida. Officers had responded after witnesses reported concern about Blyler’s behavior; police say he appeared intoxicated and had a gun visibly tucked in his waistband. When an officer approached, Blyler reportedly reached toward the weapon and the officer fired, the report says, because Blyler was perceived as an imminent threat.

Blyler’s family disputes that account, noting he had relatives in law enforcement and arguing he would have known how to behave around officers and would not have acted aggressively. The shooting was the third officer-involved shooting in Jacksonville that week, a fact that heightened community concern. Blyler’s family continues to mourn and has called for more accountability from law enforcement.

If anyone witnessed the incident outside Vic’s Sandwich Shop or has information about Blyler that could clarify what happened, please come forward.