JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced that four Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department employees were arrested on Jan. 23 in connection with a Dec. 29 paintball incident that struck multiple vehicles, including a marked patrol car.
The sheriff’s office said the incident occurred in the LaVilla neighborhood after an officer discovered green paint on his patrol vehicle and a civilian driver reported similar damage, prompting an investigation by responding officers, Action News JAX reported.
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Officers found green paint splatters on the roadway, a traffic sign and multiple nearby surfaces, suggesting the paintballs were fired from an elevated position.
Investigators also recovered 14 red and green paintballs and spent shells on the fire station’s roof and driveway, and officers reported seeing firefighters enter the station and quickly close the bay doors, evidence they say points to a possible “prank war” between fire stations.
Detectives identified four fire department personnel, obtained arrest warrants and booked them on misdemeanor criminal mischief charges at the Duval County Jail. The firefighters have been moved to administrative duties while the department conducts an internal investigation.
The fire department issued a statement:
“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested four Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel this afternoon on misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief following an investigation into personnel misconduct while on duty.
The four individuals have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal JFRD investigation.
JFRD was made aware of the allegations by the JSO on December 29, 2025, and has fully cooperated with its investigation into this incident.
This incident will have no impact on public safety or JFRD operations. The station where this occurred remains fully staffed with qualified personnel.
We value the trust the community places in our department as first responders, and we are committed to the highest standards of conduct and accountability. JFRD holds all personnel to these standards. This matter involves four individuals and does not reflect the professionalism and dedication of the 1,900 firefighters who serve Jacksonville with pride.”
What do you think — is an arrest too much or is it appropriate?
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