A fifth Jacksonville firefighter has been placed on administrative leave in connection to a paintball incident near a downtown fire station. This follows the reassignment of four other firefighters to administrative duties due to their alleged involvement in a 'prank war' where paintballs were fired at a police cruiser, a civilian's car, and an I-95 sign.
5th Jacksonville firefighter placed on leave after paintball incident near downtown fire station, JFRD says Read full article: 5th Jacksonville firefighter placed on leave after paintball incident near downtown fire station, JFRD saysRoar on the move: Iconic lions on the Bridge of Lions to be removed, relocated for seawall improvement project Read full article: Roar on the move: Iconic lions on the Bridge of Lions to be removed, relocated for seawall improvement projectCold snap sticking around: What to know to stay safe and keep costs down Jacksonville City Council weighs multi-million-dollar pedestrian safety project near EverBank StadiumJFRD confirmed all four had been reassigned to administrative duties.
On Tuesday, JFRD told News4JAX that a fifth firefighter was also placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation in connection with the incident. However, officials said the firefighter was not arrested. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on Dec. 29 near Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Station 4, located at 639 W. Duval St. at West Jefferson Street in the LaVilla area. 4 JFRD employees arrested, accused of shooting paintballs at JSO cruiser, car, I-95 sign during ongoing ‘prank war’ JSO charged four firefighters with criminal mischief, saying the paintball damage occurred during what investigators described as a firefighter “prank war.” Police say an officer driving a marked patrol vehicle near North Jefferson and West Duval streets noticed multiple impacts on the car. When the officer stopped to check the damage, several green paint splatters were found on the vehicle. Around the same time, a civilian driver reported his car had also been struck by paintballs in the same area, according to JSO. Investigators later determined that paintballs also hit an abandoned building, the roadway and a dumpster As previously reported by News4JAX, all four firefighters initially denied responsibility for the incident, even after witnesses told police they saw someone run back into the fire station following the paintball gunfire. Because of the denials, patrol officers transferred the case to the Jacksonville Integrity Unit for an internal investigation. Noncustodial interviews with city employees were conducted on Jan. 22, ultimately leading to misdemeanor charges against all four firefighters. In a statement posted to Facebook on Jan. 23, JFRD said all four firefighters have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation.JFRD emphasized that the arrests will not interfere with emergency services One of the victims whose vehicle was struck told News4JAX he supports the arrests, calling the behavior irresponsible and potentially dangerous.News4JAX submitted a public records request about the incident on Jan. 3, 2026, to JSO, but at the time was told no information existed regarding a paintball incident. WJXT’s public records request was not fulfilled until Jan. 26, three days after the arrest. JSO acknowledged that its lack of a response was due to a clerical error in its public records department. A spokesperson said the agency is meeting internally to ensure information is properly shared with news organizations when it becomes available as required by Florida law. News4JAX is working to learn more about the fifth firefighter placed on administrative leave, and will provide updates as they become available.Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.Beachside's Sofia Rivera leads Varsity 4 All-News4JAX girls golf teamQuestions raised after pediatrician says public not alerted quickly to 2 local measles casesJudge orders woman accused of punching trooper, kicking ICE officer be released on bondSplit Happens Ep. 7: Navigating fear and anxiety during divorce with Sasso Guerrero & HenderliteCold snap coming to Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaNews4JAX reporter Ariel Schiller shares new details on 4 arrested JFRD employeesHCA Memorial shows off state-of-the-art emergency room intended to serve Arlington communityHome surveillance camera captures video of suspects, sounds of gunfire in attempted home invasionJEA crews deploy to South Carolina ahead of icy winter stormCheck out the haul that Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn was able to get after recent cold snapWoman accused of punching trooper, kicking ICE officer to appear in court after federal indictmentVideo shows off-duty JSO officer slamming teen to ground at Jacksonville Beach skate park
Jacksonville Fire And Rescue Department (JFRD) Paintball Incident Firefighters Administrative Leave Prank War
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