Gainesville, Florida Man Justin D. Long Identified in Gainesville for Deadly Shooting and Shootout With Police

Gainesville, Florida Man Justin D. Long Identified in Gainesville for Deadly Shooting and Shootout With Police

GAINESVILLE, FLA. — Justin D. Long, a 31-year-old man, was identified by authorities as the suspect involved in a deadly shooting and subsequent shootout with Gainesville police on Wednesday that left one victim dead and two officers injured.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, officers responded around 7:56 a.m. to reports of shots fired on East University Avenue near Waldo Road. Investigators say the incident began at the Imeca Lumber & Hardware business, where 23-year-old Eduardo P. Rodriguez was found inside the store suffering from gunshot wounds.

Police said Long parked his vehicle behind a nearby business, walked to the lumber yard, and shot Rodriguez before returning to his car and attempting to flee the area. Responding officers soon located Long in a red vehicle and attempted to stop him. Authorities said Long exited the car and opened fire on officers, prompting a shootout.

Long was shot by responding officers and pronounced dead at the scene. Two Gainesville police officers were also shot during the exchange and were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both officers have since been released.

Long was transported to the scene by emergency personnel and was pronounced deceased. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and police have not yet determined the relationship between Long and Rodriguez.