Derrick Brabham

Derrick Rashard Brabham, a 25-year-old African American male from Jacksonville, Florida, was fatally shot by police on August 18, 2017, during a violent confrontation inside a Westside home. The incident unfolded when Jacksonville Sheriff's Office received a distress call about an individual making threats to harm himself and others. Upon arrival, officers observed an argument between Brabham and a woman outside the residence before the two went back inside. Shortly after, gunfire erupted within the home, prompting officers to force entry.

Inside, Brabham, who had been drinking heavily throughout the day, was armed with a. 223-caliber semi-automatic rifle. As officers entered, he immediately opened fire at close range, striking two officers—Michael Fox and Kevin Jarrell. Fox sustained injuries to both hands, while Jarrell was hit in the stomach, just below his protective vest. Despite their injuries, the officers returned fire, hitting Brabham twice and killing him. His girlfriend, their 19-month-old child, the girlfriend’s mother, and a family friend were also inside the home at the time of the shooting.

Brabham’s father, Reginold Brabham, later spoke publicly about the tragedy, expressing sorrow for the officers involved and acknowledging that his son’s actions were wrong. He described Derrick as a loving individual who had no prior criminal history beyond traffic citations. The shooting was classified as an alcohol-fueled domestic dispute that escalated into a deadly encounter. Authorities confirmed that Brabham had been intoxicated while threatening his family members with a firearm before the police intervention. The officers involved were treated for their injuries and later stabilized.