DAYTONA BEACH — Police Chief Jakari Young on May 27 urged the community to be vigilant as an armed suicidal suspect, who allegedly shot and killed a woman in Alachua County, escaped a police search near the Main Street Pier late May 26.
The suspect, Xavion Perry, 31, is wanted for a homicide in Alachua County, and is running loose in Daytona Beach, Young said at a press conference May 27.
According to Young, law enforcement in Alachua County responded to reports of a shooting at 9:52 p.m. May 26 and found a deceased victim. The incident was domestic in nature, the chief said.
The Gainesville Police Department said that multiple officers responded to Creeks Edge Condos at 1810 NW 23rd Blvd., in Gainesville after reports of gunshots in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located a 23-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts, she died of her injuries at the scene, Gainesville police said.
Daytona Beach police search for Alachua shooting suspect after he ditches car, heads for beach
Perry left Alachua County and around 11:30 p.m. was spotted in Daytona Beach, Young said.
Daytona Beach police tried to stop Perry’s 2021 black Dodge, but he fled. Police engaged in a pursuit that ended at the Main Street approach, where Perry fled from the vehicle, the chief said.
Video surveillance in the area showed Perry jumping off the pier onto the beach and police lost sight of him, the chief said.
An all-night search with the help of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Ormond Beach Police Department, and Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety failed to find Perry, Young said.
Homicide suspect on the run in Daytona made suicidal statements, police chief said
Young said he has called in for additional resources as the search continues for the armed suicidal suspect.
“We were informed that at some point he was streaming live on social media where he displayed a gun and made suicidal statements,” the police chief said.
No stone is being left unturned in the search to apprehend Perry, Young added.
“Obviously because the suspect is still at large, I am not going to say that it’s safe, but I am going to ask the community to remain vigilant, that is the main thing, and if they see this guy to call 911 immediately from a safe distance,” Young said.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Armed homicide suspect on the run in Daytona Beach, cops say
Reporting by Patricio G. Balona, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
