Eduardo P. Rodriguez dies in fatal Gainesville shooting

Eduardo P. Rodriguez dies in fatal Gainesville shooting

Fatal Gainesville shooting death of Eduardo P. Rodriguez – Obituary

Eduardo P. Rodriguez, 23, was killed Wednesday in a violent confrontation linked to a shootout with Gainesville police. The Gainesville Police Department identified the suspect who fired on him and later exchanged gunfire with officers as 31-year-old Justin D. Long.

Police said officers were dispatched at 7:56 a.m. to reports of gunfire near E. University Avenue and Waldo Road. Officers nearby spotted Long in a red car, attempted to stop him, and he exited the vehicle firing at law enforcement. Responding officers returned fire, fatally wounding Long at the scene.

Authorities discovered Rodriguez inside Imeca Lumber & Hardware with gunshot injuries. According to Police Chief Nelson Moya, Long had parked behind a nearby KFC, entered the lumber store, shot Rodriguez, and returned to his vehicle before the confrontation with police.

Investigators are still determining the connection between Long and Rodriguez, though they believe Long acted deliberately. Two officers who sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the shootout were hospitalized and later released.

City officials reassured residents that the incident was isolated and noted that overall crime in Gainesville has been decreasing. Chief Moya praised the officers for their quick response, saying their actions prevented further harm to the public.