Jacksonville Police Arrested Man After Hotel Shooting
A 49-year-old man faces attempted murder charges following a struggle over a handgun at a Red Roof Inn.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Violence
Police in Jacksonville arrested Kortez Ridgeway, 49, on Oct. 1 following a shooting at a Youngerman Circle hotel. The incident left Darnell Evans with a hip injury after the two men struggled over a firearm.
Why it matters
The confrontation began when Evans asked a group of people making noise outside his hotel room to be quiet. This escalation into violence underscores the potential lethality of minor interpersonal disputes when firearms are involved.
Kortez Ridgeway faces felony charges of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The investigation remains active as authorities review hotel surveillance footage.
The players
Kortez Ridgeway
The 49-year-old suspect is currently in custody following his arrest on charges including attempted second-degree murder.
Darnell Evans
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the hip after struggling with the suspect over a firearm.
The details
The shooting occurred at a Red Roof Inn on Youngerman Circle after a noise dispute between Evans and a group of three people. During the altercation, the men wrestled for control of a handgun, and Evans eventually secured the weapon and removed the live rounds.
Timeline
Oct. 1, 2026: Kortez Ridgeway was arrested by Jacksonville police.
Legal Context
This incident follows the procedural standards for violent crime processing outlined in the 2026 Jacksonville police crime reporting protocols. The use of hotel surveillance as primary evidence reflects an increasing reliance on private security infrastructure in local criminal investigations.
The use of surveillance footage at this Youngerman Circle location may lead local hospitality businesses to increase security monitoring. Residents are advised that this remains an active investigation involving the local police department.
The takeaway
Disputes occurring in shared or public spaces can escalate rapidly if a firearm is introduced. Residents should prioritize de-escalation when encountering noisy groups rather than engaging directly.
Further reading
For more information on local safety trends, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
